The birth of superconductivity is credited to the Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who discovered that mercury contains no electrical resistance at extremely low temperatures.  However, it was until 1960 before this knowledge could be put to practical use.  A superconducting metal was developed becoming the basis for superconductivity experiments.  Out these investigations came magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), only one of the many applications of superconductivity.  Finally, in the 1980's two scientists came upon superconducturs which worked at higher temperatures leading to the research and development of superconductivity applications in the common marketplace.
 

    The basics behind superconductivity is that it can conduct electricity without losing energy to electrical resistance.  Also, when placed in a surrounding magnetic field it acts as to repel, thus allowing levitation to occur.  The advantages of this new technology is that it uses energy more efficiently, therefore reducing the cost of the typical fuel cycle.  Superconductivity can be found in power transmission cables as they carry electircal currents better resulting in a decrease in the energy loss as well as an increase in capacity. Motors can also benefit from this technology since they will be able to be built smaller and more efficient  as is the same with generators that can now be constructed smaller and lighter.  Superconductivity can benefit utility customers who will be able to receive better quality and reliable power from the local company.  One of the most striking areas in which superconductivity can be applied is to transportation in the way of Maglev trains.  These trains use superconducting magnets that levitate the train as it moves and are able to reach speeds of 340 miles per hour.  Though superconductivity has not be applied fully enough in all these areas mentioned above, it is quickly developing into an energy technology that can become a part of our everyday life.