42 U.S.C. § 13477 — High-temperature superconductivity program

(a) Program. The Secretary had to run a 5-year program, following sections 13541 and 13542, on high-temperature superconducting electric power equipment technology. The program's elements include, but aren't limited to: (1) developing high-temperature superconducting materials that carry more electrical current — the near-term focus of the program; (2) developing prototypes, where it makes sense, of the major parts of a superconducting electric power system, such as motors, generators, transmission lines, transformers, and magnetic energy storage systems; (3) improving how well materials perform at higher temperatures and at all magnetic field angles; (4) developing prototypes based on high-temperature superconducting wire that operate at the highest possible temperature, plus refrigeration systems using cryogenics like nitrogen; (5) helping the private sector design more efficient, cost-competitive electric power generation and delivery systems; and (6) developing prototypes usable in both commercial and defense applications. The Secretary is also encouraged to speed up collaborative agreements among government, laboratories, industry, and universities, using existing Department of Energy mechanisms and coordinating with other federal agencies. (b) Authorization of appropriations. Congress authorized $21,900,000 for fiscal year 1993, and whatever sums are needed for later fiscal years, for this section — with the money coming from funds authorized under section 13471(c).