More food for thought. Efficient underground long line bulk electric energy transmission, like that from nuclear plants, might be achieved using very low frequencies, like 1 Hz or less. Unlike pure DC, this approach would facilitate using low frequency motor-generator sets at the delivery end to convert low Hz to 60 Hz. They would not be large compared to steam plants and the capital cost might be affordable for long lines power, especially considering that the motor generator costs offset normal step-down transformer costs. The capacitive coupling problem can be solved using gas insulation. If room temperature superconductors are developed, they would work immediately with this low frequency low technology approach, especially if the conductors are in conduits and don't have to be dug up to be replaced. This low Hz approach would facilitate the building of nuclear plant farms in small highly protected isolated regions and avoid many environmental impact study costs and avoid widely distributed protests etc. due to building sites all over the place in conjested metropolitan areas. The enviromental and regulatory impact could also be minimized by utilizing existing power line, rail, and pipeline rights of way.
On the other hand, hydrogen pieplines are a cheaper form of energy transmission after only a few hundred miles, and hydrogen is readily storable in old gas wells, etc. The main problem is the source of the hydrogen. Regards, Horace Heffner
