The U.S. Department of Energy supports an applied superconductivity program entitled {open_quotes}Superconductivity Program for Electric Power Systems.{close_quotes} Activities under this program are designed to help develop the high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology that is needed for industry to proceed with the commercial development of electric power applications. Research is conducted in three categories: wire development, systems technology development, and Superconductivity Partnership Initiative (SPI). Wire development activities are devoted to improving the critical current density (J{sub c}) of short-length HTS wire, whereas activities in systems technology development focus on fabrication of long-length wires, coils, and magnets. Finally, SPI activities focus on the development of prototypes that consist of a generator coil, a fault current limiter, a transmission cable, and a motor. A current overview and recent progress in the development of HTSs are outlined in this paper. 48 refs., 6 figs
