What happens when the world’s most advanced scientists set out to reinvent the way electricity moves at the coldest temperatures imaginable? While a 2019 video from CERN titled “A Cooler Way to Transport Electricity” with Amalia Ballarino might seem like old news in the tech world, the technology it showcased has proven to be a critical and still impressive component for the future of particle acceleration. The focus of that video was a 60-meter prototype, a key step towards a massive upgrade for the Large Hadron Collider.
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The technology in question is a superconducting power transmission line built with Magnesium Diboride (MgB₂). This is not just any cable. It is designed to operate in helium gas at an extremely low temperature of 25 Kelvin, which is about -248 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the cable achieves zero electrical resistance, allowing it to transport enormous amounts of current with perfect efficiency. This is a fundamental requirement for powering the advanced magnets of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) upgrade.
From demonstrator to essential infrastructure
What was once a “demonstrator system” is now a validated, core technology for the HL-LHC project. The successful prototype paved the way for full-scale production cables, some over 100 meters long, which are scheduled for installation between 2026 and 2030. These finalized cables will carry currents up to 120,000 Amperes to power the new magnets.
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So, is this technology still cutting-edge six years later? The answer is a definitive yes. Its brilliance lies in its operational efficiency. The main magnets in the existing LHC require cooling to 1.9 Kelvin with superfluid helium, an incredibly demanding process. The MgB₂ links, operating at a relatively “warmer” 25 Kelvin, can be cooled with gaseous helium, which is a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. This design allows power converters to be located further away from the accelerator, simplifying infrastructure and reducing operational complexity.
Broader implications beyond physics and CERN
While developed for a particular scientific purpose, the potential for MgB₂ technology extends far beyond CERN. Its relatively low manufacturing cost and higher operating temperature compared to other superconductors make it a promising material for wider commercial use.
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Could we see similar technology integrated into future power grids, advanced MRI machines, or high-efficiency electric motors? The work at CERN suggests this is a real possibility. This project is not just an isolated engineering feat; it is a significant step forward in applied material science with transformative potential.
Photo credit: The feature image is owned by CERN and was made available as part of a press kit. They were taken by Maximilien Brice and Julien Marius Ordan.
