Shanghai Superconductor is celebrating a major milestone as its second-generation high-temperature superconducting tape material production line and headquarters project has reached a critical stage: the main structure has been fully topped out. This significant achievement marks the transition from construction to production line assembly and equipment debugging for what is currently the world’s largest planned capacity project in the superconductor field. This development signals the company’s entry into a new era of large-scale industrial manufacturing.
A Landmark Project in Shanghai’s Development
The Shanghai Superconductor second-generation high-temperature superconducting tape material production and headquarters base project is designated as a major project for Shanghai in 2025. Construction commenced on June 29, 2025, and it stands as the first major industrial project in Zhangjiang Science City to embody the ‘land acquisition equals groundbreaking, land handover equals certificate issuance’ principle. Situated in the eastern district of the Kangqiao Industrial Zone in Shanghai, the facility spans 92.62 mu (approximately 61,700 square meters). It comprises four main structures: Factory Building 1, Factory Building 2, a dormitory building, and a production support building, along with ancillary structures like Class B warehouses and a switch station.
Global Leadership in Superconductor Production
This facility is set to become the world’s first large industrial-scale research and development headquarters base for high-temperature superconducting tape material production. It boasts a designed annual production capacity of 15,000 kilometers. Upon full operation, Shanghai Superconductor’s total annual capacity will soar to 20,000 kilometers, positioning the company as the leader in the niche market of second-generation high-temperature superconducting tape materials globally. Currently, Shanghai Superconductor’s annual production capacity stands at 4,000 kilometers (12mm), making it one of only two companies worldwide with actual annual shipments exceeding 1,000 kilometers of superconducting tape.
Introducing Groundbreaking 3km Superconducting Tape
A key feature of the third phase of the base will be the introduction of a globally pioneering production line for 3-kilometer-long high-temperature superconducting tape. Production of this ultra-long tape is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The development of 3-kilometer superconducting tape is expected to significantly reduce the number of joints required in downstream applications, thereby enhancing system reliability. This will provide a superior material foundation for applications such as winding large magnets and laying long-distance superconducting cables.
Impact and Future Outlook
The completion and commissioning of this advanced facility underscore Shanghai Superconductor’s commitment to innovation and large-scale manufacturing. The ability to produce ultra-long superconducting tapes will not only solidify the company’s global market position but also pave the way for advancements in various high-tech fields, including energy transmission, medical imaging, and particle accelerators. The project represents a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology and is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the superconductor industry in China and worldwide.
