Interview to Pietro Corsaro, ASG Superconductors
Your company participates in METEF. Can you tell us why you chose to be present?
The participation of ASG Superconductors in METEF 2025 represents a unique opportunity to present our solutions based on the use of superconducting cables to a specialized audience. We believe that our solutions, aimed at increasing production efficiency and energy efficiency, are highly relevant to the industry sector but are, to date, little known.
What innovations will you present at the fair? What kind of benefits do they bring to operators in the sector?
ASG Superconductors, a leader in advanced energy technologies, will present two solutions ideal for the aluminum industry. The first involves powering smelters and energy-intensive plants through superconducting cables. This power supply has the following features: a drastic increase in the efficiency of electrical cabin/plant power connections with almost zero losses, thus reducing CO2 generation, no electromagnetic fields, space recovery in production areas, and the possibility of remote control of the junction cabin.
The second innovation is a degaussing system for electrolytic cells, which allows for increased production without having to modify anything in the smelter, simply by installing the compensation system in parallel. This system is sized on a case-by-case basis. This method reduces anode wear and increases production without additional plant changes.
Smelters and energy-intensive plants, such as those involved in primary aluminum production, require significant amounts of electrical energy to sustain their manufacturing processes. In particular, primary aluminum production is known for being highly energy-consuming, with the cost of electricity accounting for over 30% of total operational costs. This makes the availability of efficient and cost-competitive energy solutions a crucial element for the economic sustainability of such plants.
The power supply solution proposed by ASG Superconductors has been designed to address these specific challenges. By using cutting-edge technologies, the system offers a stable and highly efficient energy supply, significantly reducing energy losses and optimizing the operational efficiency of the plants. It requires much less space compared to conventional cables, generates no additional heat dissipated into the environment, and does not require shielding to limit electromagnetic fields. This not only contributes to a reduction in operational costs but also supports companies in achieving their environmental sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing processes.
Additionally, the degaussing system for the electrolytic bath ensures equalization of the bath level, enabling a uniform thickness of cryolite, more consistent and reduced anode wear, and, most importantly, a greater volume of liquid aluminum without altering the existing cells.
What is your message of invitation for aluminum professionals to visit your booth at METEF?
ASG Superconductors helps you in making more & greener production from your aluminum smelter with MGB2 superconducting technology.
Pietro Corsaro
Strategic Business Unit Industry & Energy Manager
