A new joint international business and research venture will tap into a scientific phenomenon discovered more than a century ago to help deliver affordable, sustainable energy, clean water and environmental solutions for decades to come.
Working together, Florida-based Advanced Magnet Lab (AML), Advanced Innovation Center – Chile (AIC) and Latin America’s Fundación Avina will take advantage of AML’s unique approach to superconductivity as well as Chile’s vast resources to accelerate the
demonstration and commercialization of the next generation of industrial motors, utility grid devices, water treatment systems andother cutting-edge technologies.
The new alliance will help Florida lead the world in superconducting applications. Florida Governor Rick Scott stated today during a Florida Trade Mission in Santiago, Chile, “Combining Florida’s world-class research facilities, such as the Advanced Magnet Lab, with Chile’s commitment to innovation will not only benefit our economy, but further elevate the state’s position as a research and development leader. Pioneering projects like this are made possible by our commitment to strengthening foreign direct investment in
our state,” he said. This joint venture brings together the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Applied Superconductivity Center and Center for Advanced Power Systems with AML’s real-world superconductivity technology, creating a new industry with both a
global impact and long-term economic development benefits for the state of Florida.
AML has vast experience developing superconducting technologies and related applications. Although superconductors have to this point been limited mostly to scientific and medical equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, new uses for superconductivity are on the horizon. For example, the US Department of Energy (DOE) is funding AML’s work to create a 10-megawatt (MW) superconducting generator for use in next-generation wind turbines.
“Unlike commonly used electrical conductors, superconductors exhibit no electrical resistance and zero related energy loss, when cooled to very low temperatures,” AML President Mark Senti stated. “AML is among only a few companies globally that have the knowhow, experience and proven technology in superconductivity to seize this unique and extraordinary opportunity. Virtually every aspect of AML’s Energy Plan can be demonstrated within the infrastructure of Chile.”
Superconductivity and the new energy-efficient technologies it enables align closely with Chile’s existing industries and policies for economic growth, as well as the country’s abundant natural resources and growing clean energy economy.” Chile’s President, Sebastián Piñera, has labeled 2013 as the Year of Innovation, motivating both government and industry to commit significant financial and infrastructure resources to these types of ventures,” remarked Alfredo Zolezzi, founder and Chief Innovation Officer of AIC, which
specializes in applying advanced research to create practical solutions.
In addition to Governor Scott, participants in today’s announcement included: Lynda Weatherman, CEO of Florida’s Space Coast Economic Development Commission; and Chilean government officials and industry representatives. “We are seeing with growing
frequency signs of the international interest our economy is generating, and the joint venture between AML and the Chilean entities highlights why this trend is so important and exciting,” Weatherman said.
This partnership celebrates AML’s unique position in its industry and reminds the world of the technological and scientific strength that resides on the Space Coast,” Weatherman said. Six executives of the Florida Department of Commerce’s Enterprise Florida public private initiative also attended today’s launch. Accelerating commercialization of superconducting applications means access to multi-billion dollar markets such as offshore wind turbine generators, aero propulsion and space exploration programs.
Joint venture leaders in attendance included: AML’s Senti; AML Chief Scientist Dr. Rainer Meinke; AIC’s Zolezzi; and Avina President Sean McKaughan. “Chilean industry and government will jointly participate in the projects as providers of this infrastructure,
knowledge and capital,” McKaughan said. Fundación Avina works towards sustainability and has the global capacity to facilitate collaboration of philanthropy, industry and innovations for developing high-value businesses, economically and socially, for improving
the quality of life of the “base of the pyramid” and society in general.
