Environmental issues associated with superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) plants

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is discussed as a developing technology for storing electric energy. Its efficiency is significantly greater than any existing energy storage method. Most of the environmental concerns associated with present-day energy storage devices do not exist with SMES: it does not use or produce harmful chemicals, no dams or other radical changes to the landscape are required, and it is silent in its operation. The author explores the current state of knowledge on magnetic-field effects upon animals (including man) and electronic devices and communications