Energy conservation and environmental benefits that may be realized from superconducting magnetic energy storage

The energy conservation and environmental benefits of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) are described. Since SMES can uncouple generation from load, it can shift generation around, thereby changing the operational characteristics of the system. The technology has the capability of reducing fuel consumption, which can in turn reduce emissions. In a regional setting it can potentially shift emissions both in volumes and in physical areas to avoid problem situations. With its capability to strategically shift generation and significantly affect emissions and air quality it can `stretch´ clean energy generation options. With these attributes, SMES can be recognized as an energy and environmental management technology and tool