[threeseed]

Especially if there are advancements in power distribution e.g. high temperature superconductors.

This would be a game changer for the major continents like Europe, US, Africa where you could have power coming from hydro, thermal, solar, wind etc and being shipped to where it is needed.

[posix_me_less]

Loss of power during distribution is not a problem that needs solving, power losses due to transmission in conventional grid are mere 5%.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power_transmission#Lo...

Considering how costly and inflexible all superconductors are, I don't see why they would help.

[chrisco255]

Those losses are on a per 100 mile basis. 2-5% per 100 miles of line (not as the crow flies mind you). Superconductors would make a huge difference if they could build a room temperature superconductor.

[Already__Taken]

Exactly, when people mention losses saved by superconductors they don't mean to improve the current grid. It's to route power from the always sunny side of the planet.

[xorfish]

HVDC is already below 3% per 1'000km. So connecting Europe to the Sahara is around 5% with current technology

[chrisco255]

No. Sorry the Mediterranean Sea separates Europe from Sahara (as well as several countries) and you can't do this practically by any means. Europe doesn't own the Sahara.

[xorfish]

The main problem with installing solar in the Sahara and transporting it to Europe is the political instability of the region. Laying cables across a sea or ocean is already routinely done.

[duckymcduckface]

The 5% is quoted further in the article for overall grid waste. The per mile basis is purely there to compare why higher voltages for the Samer power lead to less waste.