Will superconducting magnetic energy storage be used on electric utility systems?

As the cost of fossil fuel has increased and the load factors on electric utilities have decreased, the need for efficient, reliable energy storage systems has increased. Although pumped hydro storage is now used extensively on those utility systems having the appropriate resources nearby, it is only 65% efficient. Superconducting magnetic energy storage which promises to be more than 90% efficient and easily sited may become a competitive energy storage technology. A comparison of the various energy storage systems is presented in terms of performance on electric power systems, and cost. Emphasis is given to the various technologies involved in the development of large superconducting magnets. A brief review of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory program on superconducting magnetic energy storage is included.