SUMMARY

The Japanese Super-GM program to develop SC generators represents the major activity worldwide directed at the commercialization of superconductivity in an electric power application. This conclusion is based on the duration of the program, the total money invested by industry and the Japanese government, and the number of institutions and people involved. The future for this program, however, is highly dependent on the "complete" success of the planned testing through 1998 on the three rotor configurations for the generator. The follow-on program to construct a 200 MW-class pilot machine is also highly dependent on a significant improvement in the market forecast for this generator. Without an increase in demand, it is quite likely that even with unqualified success for the generator tests that Japanese industry may not be willing to commit the necessary cost share to go forward with the program. Interest in using HTS conductors in this future program will depend on progress in achieving higher transport properties at higher fields.

The current U.S. DOE SPI program on the development of an HTS synchronous motor is unique.

The B&W "spinning reserve" program with Anchorage Municipal Light and Power is the world's largest SMES program and provides an acceptable performance and cost-effective solution to a utility problem.