World first as wind turbine upgraded with high temperature superconductor

Landscape photo of an offshore wind farm just before dusk

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Refit cuts use of pricey metals by an order of magnitude and weight by a half

Superconductors are breaking into the energy industry as, for the first time, a wind turbine has had its permanent magnets replaced by superconducting tape. The switch will mean that it’s possible to build lighter wind turbines that are less dependent on expensive rare earth elements. This means that the price tag of turbines could fall and, in turn, cut energy costs.