SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--High Temperature Superconductors, Inc. (HTSI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded the company $5M of the $10M in total funding available through ARPA-E to develop novel manufacturing technologies for superconducting tapes. As stated by the DOE, “enabling widely available low-cost, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes could have major implications for the United States’ transition to a net-zero energy future.” HTSI is the largest recipient of the $10 million fund, aimed at spearheading the development of a high-speed production line in the U.S. for manufacturing HTS tape.
Advancing High-Temperature Superconductor Tape Production for Energy Sector Applications
The ARPA-E grant will enable HTSI to focus on increasing production speeds while reducing the cost of HTS tape to support the development of energy technologies, such as fusion power reactors and advanced power transmission.
“We are grateful that the DOE has recognized the importance of supporting domestic manufacturing of HTS tape given its importance to supply chains, particularly for the fusion industry,” said Ray Karam, President, and CEO of HTSI. “As the largest recipient of the ARPA-E funding, HTSI is in a prime leadership position to advance its commitment to the industry in terms of developing new technologies that can significantly reduce HTS tape costs over time.”
HTSI Mobilizes with Expert Taskforce to Drive ARPA-E Award Impact
HTSI will further utilize the ARPA-E/DOE funding to embark on developing cutting-edge tools that expand the superconducting layers on metal tapes, enabling production speeds five to ten times higher than current levels. This initiative is aimed not only at boosting production but also at elevating the quality and consistency of the materials.
Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge, Judith Driscoll, has transformed the characteristics of high-temperature superconductors, enhancing their capability to carry significantly higher currents in a magnetic field. In pursuit of the FOA objectives, she will actively contribute to HTSI's efforts by engaging in the advancement of the PLD tool. Driscoll applauded HTSI's dedication to innovation.
"HTSI resonates with the ethos of interdisciplinary advancement, and I look forward to actively participating in and observing the constructive outcomes of our joint pursuits for the HTS industry," said Driscoll.
ABOUT HTSI
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, High Temperature Superconductors, Inc. (HTSI) has established a full-scale production line dedicated to manufacturing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape. Leveraging a best-in-class, modified pulse laser deposition (PLD) manufacturing process, the company focuses on serving key markets such as fusion power reactors and electrical power transmission. In 2022, HTSI acquired Boston-based PVD Products, a specialist in large-area PLD systems and equipment utilizing thin film physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques.
We invite you to explore in-depth information and resources available on both the HTSI and PVD Products websites.