A new study has identified superconducting technology as a potential game changer in the global push to decarbonise transport, with researchers estimating that widespread adoption could eliminate up to 23 gigatonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

Published in Superconductor Science and Technology, the roadmap examines how superconductors could accelerate the electrification of aviation, rail, maritime transport and space systems while highlighting the technological and commercial barriers that must be overcome before the technology can be deployed at scale.

The roadmap, commissioned by the Institute of Physics, was led by Dr. Wenjuan Song of the University of Glasgow and developed through collaboration among more than 60 researchers and engineers from over 40 universities, research institutes and companies, including aerospace manufacturer Airbus.

Transport currently accounts for about one-quarter of global energy-related carbon emissions, making it one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. According to the study, superconductors—materials capable of transmitting electricity with virtually no resistance when cooled to extremely low temperatures—could significantly improve the efficiency of electric transport systems.

Researchers noted that advances in superconducting materials and cryogenic engineering are making the technology lighter and more practical for commercial use. This could enable smaller, more powerful electric motors, lighter transformers, high-capacity power cables and advanced propulsion systems for next-generation transport.

The aviation sector is expected to benefit significantly. Conventional electric motors currently produce between five and 10 kilowatts of power per kilogram, limiting their application in medium and large aircraft. Superconducting motors under development are projected to deliver between 20 and 40 kilowatts per kilogram, potentially overcoming one of the biggest barriers to zero-emission electric aviation.

The roadmap points to ongoing industry projects, including Airbus’ ASCEND programme, which successfully powered a 500-kilowatt superconducting cryogenic powertrain, and the company’s Cryoprop demonstrator, as evidence that commercial electric aircraft are moving closer to reality.

Maritime transport, responsible for approximately four per cent of global carbon emissions, could also benefit from superconducting propulsion systems. Researchers highlighted a 36.5-megawatt superconducting ship propulsion motor already tested by the United States Navy, alongside the prospect of using liquid hydrogen as both marine fuel and coolant for future zero-emission vessels.

In the rail sector, where emissions are already comparatively low, superconducting technology could further improve efficiency and reduce equipment weight. The report references China’s successful demonstration of a superconducting traction transformer operating at more than 99 per cent efficiency and weighing roughly half as much as conventional systems. Japan and France have also deployed superconducting power cables on railway networks, while Japan’s superconducting magnetic levitation (maglev) trains have reached speeds of around 600 kilometres per hour.

The roadmap also identifies opportunities in the space industry, where lightweight superconducting magnets and frictionless bearings could improve satellite performance and reliability.

Despite the technology’s promise, researchers acknowledged that significant challenges remain. High costs, improved superconducting materials, reliable cooling systems, engineering complexity and safety protection systems must all be addressed before large-scale commercial deployment becomes feasible.

Dr. Mohammad Yazdani-Asrami, co-author of the study, said the sector requires the same combination of improved materials, lower costs and strong industrial commitment that previously accelerated the global expansion of solar energy.

He noted that focused research investment and sustained public and private funding over the next decade would be critical in moving superconducting technologies from laboratories into mainstream transport applications.

Lead author Dr Song said several superconducting transport technologies are already approaching commercial readiness, adding that advances in cooling systems are steadily removing one of the industry’s longstanding technical barriers.

The researchers concluded that coordinated investment, continued innovation and stronger industry adoption could position superconducting technologies as a key enabler of net-zero transport worldwide.