Book excerpt: A 30 MJ superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system was designed and developed for application in the Western US Power System to damp power oscillations that limit high voltage ac transmission. The system is in place at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Tacoma Substation and has been in an experimental use for over a year. Extended operations of the unit have been undertaken with success. The physical, electrical, and operational features of the SMES system are given.