February 10, 2026 – The world’s first 10kV air-core annular superconducting shunt reactor was officially put into operation at the 35kV Gulong Substation in Shanghai, China, bringing quieter, more stable, and greener electricity to 22,000 households and several schools nearby. This breakthrough sets a new benchmark for integrating superconducting technology into civilian power supply, offering a replicable solution for cities worldwide struggling with noisy substations and unstable voltage.

A local resident surnamed Wang from Gulong Community shared his experience: "After the substation upgrade, my air conditioner and refrigerator run much more smoothly—no more appliance restarts due to voltage fluctuations. The noise from the substation has also dropped significantly, and it no longer disturbs our daily rest." Operating at less than 60 decibels—about the volume of normal conversation—and with nearly zero spatial magnetic leakage, the superconducting device fundamentally solves two major public concerns about traditional substations: noise pollution and electromagnetic interference.

Unlike traditional "extensive" equipment, the air-core annular design reduces the reactor’s footprint by more than 60%, eliminating the need for large-scale substation expansion. This is particularly valuable for densely populated urban areas where land resources are scarce. A representative from State Grid Shanghai Electric Power Company stated that the successful operation not only resolves the reactive power backflow issue at Gulong Substation but also paves the way for wider application of superconducting technology in old residential areas, promising better power experiences for more urban dwellers globally.