Suprema, a trailblazing Italian start-up, is poised to revolutionise the clean energy sector with its high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes. Founded by a quartet of seasoned physicists from ENEA, the company is on a mission to accelerate fusion commercialisation and bolster the electric grid. The team, led by CEO and Co-Founder Andrea Augieri, is constructing Europe’s largest HTS tape production plant, a move that could significantly reshape the energy landscape.
Suprema’s journey began in July 2024, with a clear vision: to establish a factory dedicated to producing HTS tapes. These tapes are pivotal in various energy applications, from nuclear fusion reactors to enhancing the electric grid. The co-founders—Augieri, Fabio Fabbri, Francesco Rizzo, and Giuseppe Celentano—bring over two decades of experience in HTS tape technology, honed during their tenure at ENEA’s fusion department. Their deep-rooted expertise positions Suprema as a formidable player in the market.
So, what sets Suprema’s HTS tapes apart? Augieri highlights the immense demand for this product, driven largely by the pursuit of fusion energy. “There are few people in the world able to undertake all the processes required to manufacture an HTS tape,” he notes. Suprema’s extensive R&D background enables them to innovate and improve both the product and its manufacturing processes, ultimately driving down costs. The key lies in nano-engineering the superconducting layer to enhance performance. Once established as a reliable supplier, Suprema plans to leverage its R&D prowess to continually refine the HTS tape.
The role of HTS tapes in fusion commercialisation cannot be overstated. Traditional fusion projects have relied on low-temperature superconductors (LTS), which generate high magnetic fields necessary for plasma confinement. However, HTS tapes offer a superior alternative. “HTS can achieve higher fields than the LTS, while also enabling higher operative temperatures,” Augieri explains. This translates to more compact fusion reactors, a crucial factor in making fusion energy commercially viable. “Having compact but still very powerful reactors is the only way that commercialising fusion energy can be made possible,” he asserts.
Suprema’s collaborative approach further strengthens its market position. The company has cultivated longstanding relationships with fusion startups worldwide, both in Europe and the US. These partnerships are vital, as HTS tapes are the linchpin for advancing fusion technology. Beyond fusion, Suprema is also engaging with companies in mobility, biomedical, scientific research, and the electric grid. Their involvement in European associations like the European Fusion Association (EFA) and CurrENT underscores their commitment to promoting HTS tapes as a reliable, powerful solution for a greener economy.
Looking ahead, Suprema is on the cusp of a significant milestone: the construction of its HTS tape production factory. The goal is to have a fully operational production line by the end of 2027. Augieri is confident that the market will readily absorb their output. But this is just the beginning. Suprema is already planning to scale up production, with multiple lines in the pipeline. “The first production line will not be a point of arrival, but a starting point,” Augieri states, signalling Suprema’s ambitious trajectory.
The implications of Suprema’s endeavours are profound. If successful, their HTS tapes could accelerate the commercialisation of fusion energy, a game-changer in the quest for sustainable power. Moreover, their innovations could enhance the electric grid, contributing to a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. As Suprema forges ahead, the energy sector watches with bated breath, anticipating the ripple effects of their groundbreaking work. The company’s journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering vision in driving progress towards a sustainable future.
