Articles tagged with "fusion-energy"
Japan’s firm to build fusion fuel breeding blanket facility in US
The US Department of Energy (DOE) and Japanese company Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) have formed a strategic partnership to build UNITY-3, a pioneering facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) dedicated to testing fusion fuel breeding blankets. These blankets are essential for fusion reactors to become fuel-self-sufficient by breeding tritium from lithium using neutrons generated in the fusion process. UNITY-3 will simulate the extreme nuclear conditions inside a reactor core to validate next-generation tritium breeding systems, complementing KF’s existing UNITY-1 facility in Japan and UNITY-2 under construction in Canada. This collaboration aims to accelerate the transition from theoretical fusion research to commercial fusion pilot plants. The partnership leverages ORNL’s expertise in materials science, supercomputing, and neutronics alongside KF’s private-sector engineering capabilities to rapidly develop critical infrastructure and reduce risks for fusion energy commercialization. Beyond building the facility, the agreement includes co-developing a commercialization roadmap, personnel exchanges, and joint research on
energyfusion-energynuclear-fusionbreeding-blankettritium-productionenergy-infrastructureDOE-collaborationGeneral Fusion set to become first public 'pure-play' fusion company
General Fusion has announced a definitive business combination agreement with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp, positioning itself to become the world’s first publicly traded “pure-play” fusion company with a pro-forma equity value of about $1 billion. This valuation includes $105 million from a committed PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) and $230 million from Spring Valley’s trust capital. The capital raised will primarily fund the Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) program, which is currently operational and represents the world’s first large-scale demonstration machine for Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF). Unlike other fusion approaches relying on superconducting magnets or lasers, General Fusion’s MTF technology uses mechanical pistons to compress plasma within a liquid lithium liner, aiming to achieve key fusion milestones such as heating plasma to 100 million degrees Celsius and ultimately meeting the Lawson criterion for net fusion energy production. General Fusion’s approach emphasizes durability and cost-effectiveness by using a liquid metal wall to protect the fusion vessel from neutron damage and capture energy, potentially
energyfusion-energyGeneral-FusionMagnetized-Target-FusionLM26clean-energypower-generationUS fusion facility to test powerful materials under extreme heat flux
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Bull Run Energy Complex in Tennessee is preparing to host a new high-heat flux (HHF) testing facility, a collaborative project involving the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Type One Energy, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). Scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, the facility will simulate the extreme heat flux conditions found in fusion reactors—targeting steady-state heat loads exceeding 10 megawatts per square meter—to test plasma-facing components (PFCs) that must endure intense operational stresses. This will be the second such facility in the U.S. and the most powerful, uniquely featuring pressurized helium gas cooling, which is favored in several domestic fusion reactor designs due to helium’s chemical stability under fusion conditions. The Bull Run site, already home to Type One Energy’s Infinity One stellarator testbed, is envisioned as a fusion development campus integrating research from ORNL, UT, and industry partners. ORNL
energyfusion-energyhigh-heat-flux-testingmaterials-sciencefusion-reactorsthermal-managementenergy-researchUK firm to build high-power microwave to boost nuclear fusion energy
MuWave, a London-based spinout from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), has secured £450,000 in funding from the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) to develop next-generation high-power microwave technology, specifically gyrotrons operating from GHz to THz frequencies. This technology is critical for commercial nuclear fusion energy, as it uses electromagnetic waves to heat fusion plasma to extremely high temperatures, and also has applications in satellite communications, radar, geothermal drilling, and medical imaging. MuWave’s development aligns with UKAEA’s strategy to translate fusion research into commercial opportunities, supporting the UK’s fusion sector and broader industrial innovation. The company aims to commercialize microwave systems that will be integral to the UK’s prototype fusion power plant, STEP Fusion, which relies on high-powered microwave heating. MuWave’s technology emerged from UKAEA’s research and patent-protected innovations, which have been proven through prototype development. Beyond fusion, MuWave offers consultancy services and targets solving the
energyfusion-energyhigh-power-microwavemicrowave-technologyUKAEAcommercial-fusiongyrotronsUS magnetic control to shield fusion reactor from electron bombardment
A new research initiative at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility aims to address a major challenge in commercial fusion energy: managing high-energy runaway electrons generated during plasma disruptions in tokamak reactors. These electrons can accelerate to near light speed and cause severe damage to the reactor’s inner walls, potentially leading to costly repairs and downtime. Supported by a Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research fellowship, Auburn University PhD student Jessica Eskew is leading efforts to develop a novel magnetic control strategy that uses the plasma’s own magnetic field structures—specifically magnetic islands—to safely “leak” these energetic electrons out in a controlled manner, rather than allowing them to strike the reactor walls abruptly. The research focuses on manipulating magnetic island dynamics, which are tube-like formations created when magnetic field lines tear and reconnect. Traditionally viewed as detrimental to plasma confinement, these islands are now being explored as potential escape routes for runaway electrons. By controlling how these islands split and reorganize, scientists hope to achieve a gradual, managed release
energyfusion-energyplasma-controlmagnetic-fieldstokamakrunaway-electronsfusion-reactor-materialsUK-made super materials to shield fusion reactors from extreme heat
The UK has made a significant advancement toward its goal of operating a prototype fusion power plant by 2040 through the launch of DIADEM, a research initiative focused on overcoming a major materials engineering challenge. Fusion reactors require components that can withstand extreme heat—up to 3,000°C—and intense magnetic fields. Tungsten and copper are ideal materials for these conditions due to tungsten’s high melting point and copper’s excellent heat conduction. However, their vastly different melting points and thermal expansion rates have made traditional joining methods like welding or casting ineffective, often resulting in cracks or separation. DIADEM, led by the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing, is addressing this by using Multi-Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (MM-LPBF), an advanced 3D printing technique that simultaneously fabricates tungsten-copper components from the ground up. This process creates “metamaterials” with a smooth microscopic transition between the two metals, eliminating weak seams and improving durability. This breakthrough not only advances
materialsfusion-energyadditive-manufacturingmetamaterialstungstencopper3D-printingIsraeli fusion startup nT-Tao fires first plasma toward 20 MW goal
Israeli energy startup nT-Tao has achieved a key milestone by successfully firing its first plasma pulses with the C3 prototype, advancing its fusion reactor development just two months after assembly began. Building on the previous C2-A campaign—which reached plasma temperatures around 100 eV—the C3 system serves as a testbed for a compact, modular fusion reactor design using proprietary magnetic-confinement and pulsed-power technology aimed at high-density plasma regimes. The current iteration incorporates refinements in magnets, pulsed power systems, diagnostics, and integration to improve plasma performance, with goals to achieve higher temperatures and longer confinement times. Data from C3 will validate simulations and guide future prototype development within an iterative 12-month engineering cycle. In parallel, nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University researchers published a study on a nonlinear control system for pulsed-power resonant inverters, addressing the challenge of rapidly changing electrical loads during plasma formation. Their control architecture combines feedback linearization with a linear regulator to maintain
energyfusion-energyplasma-physicspulsed-power-systemsmagnetic-confinementmodular-fusion-reactorenergy-researchUS energy company installs first magnet for Sparc fusion reactor
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced a significant milestone at CES 2026 with the installation of the first of 18 powerful D-shaped magnets for its Sparc fusion reactor, a demonstration device aimed for activation next year. Each magnet weighs about 24 tons and generates a 20-tesla magnetic field, roughly 13 times stronger than a standard MRI machine. These magnets will form a doughnut-shaped structure to confine plasma heated to over 180 million degrees Fahrenheit, cooled to -423°F to safely conduct over 30,000 amps of current. The reactor’s cryostat, a 24-foot-wide stainless steel circle weighing 75 tons, was installed in March, and the magnets will be assembled throughout the first half of 2026. To optimize reactor performance, CFS is collaborating with Nvidia and Siemens to develop a digital twin of Sparc, integrating real-time simulations with the physical reactor. This digital twin will enable virtual testing and parameter adjustments, reducing trial-and-error in
energyfusion-energyfusion-reactordigital-twinsuperconducting-magnetsclean-energynuclear-fusionThe Top Engineering Stories of 2025
The year 2025 was marked by significant advancements and transformative events in engineering and technology. Key highlights included the implementation of tariffs by former President Trump on Chinese GPUs, which influenced global tech policy and supply chains. Technological breakthroughs spanned a wide range of fields, from humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus learning to run, to major progress in quantum computing, fusion energy, and space propulsion systems. These developments pushed the boundaries of what is physically and technologically possible. Additionally, 2025 saw record-setting advances in AI hardware and meaningful strides toward cleaner energy solutions and faster space travel. The convergence of these innovations demonstrated how engineering continued to reshape industries and global dynamics within a single year. Overall, 2025 stood out as a pivotal year that underscored the rapid pace of technological evolution and its impact on both Earth and space exploration.
robotsenergyAI-hardwarefusion-energyelectric-vehiclesquantum-computingspace-propulsion3D magnetic field ‘breakthrough’ for fusion plasma control wins US award
Three researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)—Seong-Moo Yang, SangKyeun Kim, and Ricardo Shousha—have been awarded the 2025 Kaul Foundation Prize for their pioneering work in optimizing three-dimensional (3D) magnetic fields within tokamaks to control edge instabilities in fusion plasma. Their approach uses real-time artificial intelligence (AI) adjustments to proactively prevent plasma instabilities, such as tearing mode disruptions, which can damage the tokamak and halt the fusion process. This marks a significant advancement over traditional methods that react only after instabilities occur. The team’s research highlights the advantages of 3D magnetic fields over conventional two-dimensional fields for maintaining plasma stability. Due to the complexity of calculating and optimizing these fields, they employed machine learning to forecast potential instabilities and make micro-adjustments in real time. This AI-driven method was validated through international collaboration, incorporating experimental data from South Korea’s KSTAR and the DIII
energyfusion-energyplasma-physicstokamakmagnetic-fieldsAI-controlmachine-learningTop 7 must-read nuclear energy stories of 2025
The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the global nuclear energy sector, signaling a true “nuclear renaissance” with groundbreaking advancements across multiple technologies. Notably, the Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s only floating nuclear power plant located in the Arctic, generated its first billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, supplying over 60% of the Chukotka region’s power and demonstrating the viability of mobile, carbon-free nuclear energy for remote areas. Meanwhile, the United States announced plans for a historic 6,000-megawatt nuclear power plant combining large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with NuScale Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority advancing deployment of nearly 72 SMR modules to meet rising energy demands, especially from AI data centers and heavy industry. Fusion energy also took center stage in 2025 with significant breakthroughs. Helion Energy, backed by major tech investors including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, began construction of the world’s first commercial fusion
energynuclear-energyfloating-nuclear-power-plantsmall-modular-reactorsfusion-energyclean-energypower-plantsUK achieves 1,000 times faster 5D plasma modeling for nuclear fusion
Scientists from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), and Emmi AI have developed GyroSwin, an AI-powered tool that models fusion plasma turbulence up to 1,000 times faster than traditional 5D gyrokinetic simulations. These simulations, which track plasma behavior across three spatial dimensions plus two velocity dimensions, are crucial for designing fusion reactors but typically require days on supercomputers. GyroSwin uses machine learning to learn the underlying plasma dynamics, enabling accurate predictions in seconds while preserving key physical features such as turbulent fluctuations and sheared plasma flows, which are essential for meaningful scientific interpretation. This breakthrough addresses a major bottleneck in fusion research by drastically reducing computational time and cost, facilitating millions of simulations needed to optimize future fusion power plants like the UK’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP). By accelerating the modeling of plasma turbulence, GyroSwin supports the development of practical fusion energy—a clean, virtually limitless power
energyfusion-energyplasma-modelingAI-in-energynuclear-fusionsupercomputingmachine-learningUK scientists' new facility to boost fusion effort for clean energy goal
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) researchers have launched a new facility named ELSA at their Fusion Technology Facility in South Yorkshire to advance fusion energy research. ELSA simulates extreme cryogenic temperatures similar to those inside fusion reactors to test the durability and electrical resistance of remountable joints (RMJs), which are essential components in the toroidal field coils of tokamaks. These RMJs allow rapid maintenance access during plant operations and are critical to the success of the UK’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, a prototype fusion power plant planned for West Burton with a target operational date of 2040. The facility focuses on testing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technologies, aiming to achieve ultra-low electrical resistance to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, thereby supporting the commercial viability of fusion energy. UKAEA engineers emphasize that ELSA’s location near STEP’s site and advanced manufacturing hubs will accelerate development of these critical technologies. The STEP project is expected
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetscryogenic-technologyfusion-researchremountable-jointsUK-Atomic-Energy-AuthorityWorld's largest stellarator turns ten: How W7-X achieves steady plasma
The Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), the world’s largest and most advanced stellarator, recently marked its tenth anniversary, demonstrating significant progress from an engineering prototype to a functional laboratory for fusion research. Unlike tokamaks, stellarators use complex, externally wound coils to create a three-dimensional magnetic field that confines plasma without relying on large internal plasma currents, potentially avoiding instabilities that limit continuous operation. Since its first plasma in 2015, W7-X has undergone extensive international collaboration and precision engineering, proving the feasibility of its coil and control systems. However, the critical question remained whether it could sustain high-performance plasmas for durations relevant to power plant operation. In 2025, W7-X achieved a breakthrough during the OP2.3 campaign by sustaining high-performance plasmas for 43 seconds and setting a world record for the triple product (density × temperature × confinement time) in long plasma discharges. This performance matched the best tokamak results for similar pulse lengths,
energyfusion-energystellaratorplasma-physicssuperconducting-coilsmagnetic-confinementWendelstein-7-XWorld’s largest fusion device solves key plasma heat loss challenge
Researchers at Japan’s National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) have solved a longstanding puzzle in fusion reactor physics regarding the rapid heat loss from the plasma core to the edge, which occurs much faster than conventional diffusion theory predicts. Using the Large Helical Device (LHD), the team discovered that plasma turbulence operates in two modes: a slow, local “running game” and a fast, long-range “passing game.” The latter, described as a mediator turbulence, enables heat to leap across distant regions of the reactor almost instantly—within a ten-thousandth of a second—bypassing the space in between and undermining magnetic confinement. To capture this rapid phenomenon, the researchers applied short, intense heating pulses and employed high-precision diagnostics capable of microsecond resolution. Their data confirmed that shorter heating pulses amplify the mediator turbulence, accelerating heat loss. This insight transforms the understanding of plasma turbulence from a chaotic process to a complex system with dual roles in heat transport. Crucially, identifying this mediator
energyfusion-energyplasma-physicsturbulence-controlmagnetic-confinementLarge-Helical-Deviceenergy-researchWorld-first super magnet breakthrough key to commercial nuclear fusion
UK-based Tokamak Energy has achieved a world-first breakthrough by successfully replicating fusion power plant magnetic fields within its Demo4 system, marking the first full High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet configuration to do so. The Demo4 system generated magnetic field strengths of 11.8 Tesla at -243°C, handling seven million ampere-turns of current through its central column. This milestone validates a critical technical solution for commercial fusion energy, demonstrating system-level performance in a complex magnetic environment akin to that in operational fusion reactors. The system includes 14 toroidal and two poloidal field magnets, enabling engineers to study fusion-relevant forces and gain confidence in scaling HTS technology for future energy-producing fusion plants. Beyond fusion, the breakthrough highlights the broader commercial potential of HTS materials, which offer about 200 times the current density of copper and can be used in power distribution, electric motors for zero-emission flight, and magnetic levitation transport. These magnets are smaller, lighter, and
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetshigh-temperature-superconductorsclean-energytokamakmagnetic-fieldsTrump Energy department drops renewables, promotes fusion in office reshuffle
The Trump administration has implemented a significant reshuffle within the Department of Energy (DOE), notably eliminating several offices focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency. These include the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, the Grid Deployment Office, and the Office of Federal Energy Management programs. In contrast, the DOE has established a new Office of Fusion to promote the commercialization of fusion energy technology, which was previously managed under the Office of Science with a research focus. Additionally, geothermal energy has been merged with fossil fuels under a newly created Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office. These organizational changes have raised concerns about their legality, as some of the affected offices, such as the OCED, were created and funded by Congress under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Experts highlight that Cabinet secretaries have limited authority to reorganize offices established through congressional action without obtaining congressional
energyrenewable-energyfusion-energyDepartment-of-Energyenergy-policyclean-energyenergy-infrastructureUltra-resistant alloys to fortify nuclear fusion reactor 'first wall'
Researchers at Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in collaboration with the laser-fusion company Focused Energy, have developed ultra-resistant materials aimed at reinforcing the “first wall” of future nuclear fusion reactors. The first wall is the innermost surface of a fusion reactor’s vacuum chamber, directly exposed to the superheated plasma and extreme neutron radiation. This critical barrier must withstand temperatures hotter than the sun and intense mechanical stress to protect the reactor’s internal components. The DINERWA project focuses on creating durable structural and functional materials, including oxide-dispersion-strengthened steels, copper alloys, nanostructured tungsten, and high-entropy alloys, engineered at the microscopic level to maintain stability under extreme thermal and radiation loads. Beyond material innovation, the team is also advancing manufacturing and joining techniques to assemble these materials into complex reactor modules capable of enduring real operational conditions. Testing is conducted at KIT’s HELOKA facility, which simulates the high-heat-flux and mechanical stresses expected in fusion
materialsfusion-energynuclear-fusionultra-resistant-alloyshigh-entropy-alloysthermal-resistancereactor-materialsUS startup's fusion energy device hits record 1.6 GPa plasma pressure
US startup Zap Energy has achieved a significant breakthrough in fusion energy research with its Fusion Z-pinch Experiment 3 (FuZE-3) device, reaching plasma pressures of approximately 1.6 gigapascals (GPa), or 830 megapascals (MPa) electron pressure. These pressures are comparable to those found deep beneath Earth's crust and represent the highest recorded in a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch. The results, presented at the American Physical Society’s Division of Plasma Physics meeting, mark a key milestone toward achieving scientific energy gain (Q > 1), where a fusion system produces more energy than it consumes. FuZE-3 is Zap Energy’s most advanced fusion platform, notable for incorporating a third electrode that separates plasma acceleration and compression forces, enabling better control over plasma density. The device achieved electron densities between 3 and 5 x 10^24 m^-3 and electron temperatures exceeding 1 keV (over 21 million degrees Fahrenheit), sustaining extreme
energyfusion-energyplasma-physicsfusion-reactorZap-EnergyZ-pinchsheared-flow-stabilized-fusionDiamond-based detectors may help unlock safer fusion reactors
The University of California system has awarded $8 million in research grants over three years to accelerate nuclear fusion innovation, aiming to establish California as a leader in fusion power. At UC Santa Cruz, physicists received $555,000 to develop advanced monitoring systems for future fusion reactors using artificial diamond detectors. These diamond-based sensors are designed to withstand the extreme radiation inside fusion reactors, a condition that traditional silicon-based detectors, such as low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs), cannot endure. The project is a collaboration with Advent Diamond, a company specializing in fabricating diamond sensors, enabled by an initial $48,000 seed grant from UC Santa Cruz. Fusion energy, which replicates the sun’s reaction by fusing hydrogen to produce clean power without greenhouse gases or significant waste, has gained momentum following the 2022 fusion ignition milestone at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. With over $10 billion in private investment and supportive policies like California’s Senate Bill 25, the UC Initiative for Fusion Energy
energyfusion-energydiamond-detectorsnuclear-fusionradiation-resistant-materialsclean-energysensor-technologyJapan fusion breakthrough may triple plasma measurement precision
Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Fusion Science have significantly improved the precision of plasma potential measurements in the Large Helical Device (LHD), the world’s largest superconducting plasma confinement device. By introducing an innovative “electrostatic lens” technique through optimized voltage distribution in the existing multistage accelerator, they overcame a major limitation caused by the space-charge effect that previously caused ion beam expansion and loss. This advancement doubled or tripled the efficiency of the Heavy Ion Beam Probe (HIBP) system, which uses a high-energy gold ion beam to measure internal plasma potential crucial for fusion reactor performance. The improved beam focusing increased the injected Au⁻ beam current by two to three times, resulting in a stronger Au⁺ beam inside the plasma and extending the measurable electron density range to 1.75×10¹⁹ m⁻³. This enhancement enabled clearer detection of rapid changes in plasma potential linked to different heating systems, providing more detailed and reproducible data essential for future plasma control
energyfusion-energyplasma-measurementnuclear-fusionsuperconducting-deviceion-beam-probeLarge-Helical-DeviceScenes from TechCrunch Disrupt
The article provides a vivid snapshot of key moments and personalities at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt event, highlighting the energy and diversity of discussions that took place. Notable speakers included Vinod Khosla, who challenged the notion that AI’s energy demands will doom climate efforts, emphasizing near-term potential for geothermal energy and expressing nuanced political views. Sequoia partner Roelof Botha offered practical advice to startup founders on fundraising timing and cautioned about government ownership in startups. The Battlefield competition winner, Kevin Damoa of Glīd Technologies, was celebrated, underscoring the event’s role in spotlighting emerging startups. Other highlights featured entrepreneurs and industry leaders sharing insights and sparking conversations. Roy Lee of Cluely entertained with unconventional marketing wisdom, while former NBA player Tristan Thompson discussed the integrity of web3 platforms tied to sports tokens, raising provocative questions about the NBA’s referees. Wayve CEO Alex Kendall revealed ongoing talks for a major funding round, signaling strong investor interest in autonomous
energyAIstartupsself-driving-carsfusion-energygeothermal-energytechnology-innovationUS' stealthy submarine could be built with key tech from Tokamak Energy
The article discusses a collaboration between British fusion energy company Tokamak Energy and U.S. defense contractor General Atomics to develop advanced high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology for next-generation undersea magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumps. These pumps use electromagnetic fields to propel seawater without any rotating mechanical parts, enabling submarines to operate with significantly reduced noise and enhanced stealth. Tokamak Energy is responsible for the simulation, design, and fabrication of the HTS magnets, leveraging its proprietary modeling tools and extensive magnet testing rooted in its fusion energy research. This technology represents a significant advancement in submarine propulsion by addressing previous limitations in magnet and electrode performance. General Atomics will integrate the magnet system with auxiliary components and collaborate with HRL Laboratories, which is developing novel electrode materials under DARPA’s PUMP program. Together, these efforts aim to create a powerful, silent, and efficient MHD drive that could revolutionize undersea military capabilities by enhancing reliability and stealth. The project highlights the
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetsmagnetohydrodynamic-pumpssubmarine-propulsionclean-energy-technologyadvanced-materialsUK's Tokamak Energy reveals high-speed color details of plasma behavior
UK-based fusion company Tokamak Energy has unveiled the first high-speed color footage capturing plasma behavior inside its ST40 spherical tokamak, marking a significant advancement in visualizing fusion processes. Using a camera that records at 16,000 frames per second, researchers observed how deuterium gas fuels the plasma, visible as a bright pink glow, and how lithium granules interact with the plasma. The lithium initially emits a crimson-red light in the cooler outer plasma regions and then glows greenish-yellow as it ionizes in the hotter core, tracing magnetic field lines that confine the plasma. This visual data complements spectroscopy measurements and enhances understanding of plasma fueling and control at temperatures of tens of millions of degrees. These experiments are part of a $52 million upgrade program called LEAPS (Lithium Evaporations to Advance PFCs in ST40), conducted in partnership with the US Department of Energy and the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The program aims to apply lithium coatings to plasma
energyfusion-energyplasma-behaviorlithium-coatingstokamakclean-energyenergy-research440-ton field coil box delivered for world’s largest fusion magnet system
Shanghai Electric has successfully delivered the world’s largest toroidal field magnet coil box, a critical component for China’s fusion energy efforts. Weighing approximately 880,000 pounds and made from ultra-low-temperature austenitic steel, the coil box surpasses similar components used in France’s ITER project in both size and weight. The development process took five years and involved overcoming significant technical challenges, including advanced welding techniques on steel up to 14 inches thick, combining high-thickness laser welding with ultra-deep narrow-gap tungsten inert gas welding and phased array non-destructive testing to ensure precision. This achievement not only advances China’s capabilities in fusion technology but also supports the establishment of a comprehensive industrial supply chain for fusion energy. The innovations derived from this project have potential applications beyond fusion, including aerospace, energy equipment, shipbuilding, and offshore engineering. Additionally, the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences is nearing completion of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), designed to address
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetsindustrial-supply-chainadvanced-manufacturingfusion-technologyITERThe real reason Google DeepMind is working with a fusion energy startup
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), an energy startup, is collaborating with Google’s DeepMind to optimize the operation of its upcoming Sparc fusion reactor using AI. They plan to simulate the plasma inside the reactor with DeepMind’s Torax software, combined with AI models, to identify the most effective ways to achieve sustained fusion power. Fusion energy offers the promise of vast electricity generation with zero emissions, using water as a near-limitless fuel source. Google’s interest in fusion aligns with its broader strategy to secure clean, abundant energy to power its data centers, and this partnership follows previous collaborations with other fusion startups like TAE Technologies. The key challenge in fusion energy is maintaining plasma at extremely high temperatures long enough for the reaction to be self-sustaining, which is difficult outside of stars due to plasma instability. CFS uses powerful magnets to contain the plasma, but controlling these conditions requires complex, real-time adjustments beyond human capability—an area where AI excels. DeepMind’s Torax software,
energyfusion-energyAIGoogle-DeepMindplasma-simulationnuclear-fusionrenewable-energyClean Technology Innovation & Collaboration: Climate Week NYC Recap, Part 2.2 - CleanTechnica
The article recaps key clean technology innovations and collaborations showcased during Climate Week NYC, highlighting the convergence of global leaders, venture capitalists, engineers, and innovators focused on advancing sustainable solutions. A notable event was the 111th Hardware Meetup, which brought together creators of physical clean tech products, emphasizing the importance of connecting innovators with global manufacturing capabilities to accelerate prototype development and production. The event was hosted by Infinite Machine, a company specializing in electrified personal transportation, which unveiled its Olto vehicle designed for enhanced safety and compliance with bike lane regulations, priced at $3,495 with deliveries starting soon. Other highlighted innovations included Thea Energy’s novel approach to fusion energy, using an array of laptop-sized magnets controlled by software to create precise magnetic fields for plasma containment, aiming for net energy positive fusion in the coming years. Additionally, Atalanta Climate from Vancouver presented an indoor carbon capture system that converts CO2 into calcium carbonates, improving indoor air quality without significant energy loss, which is particularly relevant
clean-technologyenergy-innovationfusion-energyelectrified-transportatione-bikescarbon-captureclimate-technologyZap Energy fusion test platform sets internal record in plasma shots
Zap Energy, a US-based fusion engineering company, has achieved a significant milestone with its Century test platform by operating over 100 plasma shots at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, delivering 39 kilowatts of power to the plasma chamber. This performance marks a 20-fold increase in sustained average power since the platform’s commissioning in 2024. The Century platform is designed to test the integration of key subsystems for a potential commercial fusion power plant, including a repetitive pulsed power system, durable electrodes, and liquid metal walls that absorb and transfer plasma energy. Importantly, the platform does not use fusion fuel or produce fusion reactions but provides crucial operational data on the system components. Zap Energy’s unique approach, called sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch, confines and compresses plasma using a pulse of electricity and the plasma’s own magnetic field, avoiding the need for superconducting magnets or high-intensity lasers. Recent upgrades to the platform include a liquid metal
energyfusion-energyplasma-technologypulsed-power-systemliquid-metal-coolingZ-pinch-fusionpower-plant-technologyChina tests world-class robot arms for ‘artificial sun’ project
China has successfully tested a state-of-the-art robotic arm system designed for maintaining future fusion reactors, advancing its ambitious “artificial sun” project. The system, developed for the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, features three robotic arms, including a massive manipulator capable of lifting 60 tons—equivalent to the weight of 10 African elephants—with millimeter-level precision. This remote-handling platform is engineered to operate in the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors, such as high heat, intense radiation, and strong magnetic fields, where human intervention is impossible. During testing, the main arm achieved vertical lifting accuracy of 3 to 4 millimeters, while the smaller arms demonstrated positional accuracy within ±0.01 millimeters, making it the most advanced system of its kind in the fusion field. The robotic system addresses critical maintenance challenges posed by the harsh environment inside fusion reactors, where components like cladding and divertors endure constant stress from plasma and radiation
robotfusion-energyrobotic-armsnuclear-fusionprecision-roboticsremote-handlingenergy-technologyFirst proof links plasma ripples to fusion and universe origins
Researchers at Seoul National University have experimentally confirmed for the first time the phenomenon of multiscale coupling in plasma, demonstrating how microscopic magnetic ripples can trigger large-scale structural changes. Led by Professor Hwang Yong-Seok, the team integrated fusion experiments with cosmic plasma theory to show that tiny magnetic turbulence initiates magnetic reconnection—a process where magnetic energy rapidly converts into heat and motion—resulting in a cascade of effects that reorganize plasma on a macroscopic scale. This breakthrough provides the first direct experimental evidence supporting theoretical models that small-scale disturbances can influence larger plasma dynamics. The study involved injecting a strong electron beam into plasma confined within a fusion device, inducing localized turbulence and increased plasma resistivity, which then triggered magnetic reconnection. High-resolution particle simulations performed on the KAIROS supercomputer closely matched the experimental results, reinforcing the discovery. This finding is significant for both fusion energy development and astrophysics, as it sheds light on fundamental plasma processes that power stars and cosmic events like solar flares and
fusion-energyplasma-physicsmagnetic-reconnectionmultiscale-couplingnuclear-fusionastrophysicsplasma-turbulenceNew US nuclear fusion project could use plasma jets to skip lasers
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is advancing a novel approach to nuclear fusion through its Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX), which uses 36 plasma guns to fire high-speed plasma jets that converge into an imploding plasma liner. This liner compresses a magnetized target to achieve the extreme heat and pressure necessary for fusion, mimicking the sun’s energy generation process. Unlike traditional fusion methods that rely on massive superconducting magnets or large lasers, PLX’s modular and scalable design offers a potentially simpler, more affordable, and compact path toward grid-scale fusion energy. LANL is currently seeking commercial partners to collaborate on further developing this technology, with proposals due by October 4, 2025. In the near term, PLX also serves as a unique facility to recreate extreme conditions for testing aerospace and defense materials, such as heat shields for hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft re-entry components—capabilities that are currently scarce. Over the next decade, the goal is to establish PLX
energynuclear-fusionplasma-jetsfusion-energyclean-powerfusion-technologyplasma-liner-experimentUS to advance fusion reactor design to tackle heat, improve fuel
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched four new collaborative projects under the Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) program to address critical challenges in fusion energy development. These projects—SWIFT-PFCs, BCTF, FILMS, and MiRACL—focus on advancing durable materials for reactor components, improving heat extraction and fuel breeding, and enhancing reactor safety. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) plays a leading role in several initiatives, including developing plasma-facing materials for reactor walls and designing an integrated liquid metal cooling and fuel-breeding system. The BCTF project, led by ORNL, will build the Helium and Salt Technology Experiment (HASTE) facility to test prototype blanket and coolant systems, filling a gap in fusion research infrastructure. Additionally, the MiRACL project, led by Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) with ORNL as a partner, aims to mitigate risks from sudden plasma confinement loss ("disruptions") through simulation and machine
fusion-energynuclear-reactorplasma-facing-materialsliquid-metal-coolingheat-extractionfuel-breedingreactor-safety5,500 superconducting wires tested for world's largest fusion reactor
Scientists at Durham University have completed a comprehensive quality verification program for over 5,500 superconducting wire samples destined for the ITER fusion reactor, the world’s largest nuclear fusion project. The wires, made from Niobium-tin (Nb3Sn) and Niobium-titanium (Nb–Ti), will be used to construct powerful magnets that create a magnetic cage to confine plasma heated to over 150 million degrees Celsius. The team performed around 13,000 measurements, developing a reliable statistical quality control method that overcomes challenges posed by the heat treatment process required to make Nb3Sn wires superconducting. This method involves testing adjacent wire strands in different labs to ensure manufacturing consistency and accuracy, providing a cost-effective solution for global supply chain quality assurance. The ITER project, a collaboration of 35 nations, aims to demonstrate fusion energy at an industrial scale as a clean and virtually limitless power source. The success of ITER heavily depends on the verified quality of these superconducting wires. Durham
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-wiresITERclean-energymagnetic-confinementnuclear-fusionSix 270,000-lb modules that can help power fusion at ITER developed
General Atomics (GA), a San Diego-based company, has completed the development of the Central Solenoid Modules, which constitute the largest and most powerful pulsed superconducting magnet ever built. These six modules, each weighing over 270,000 pounds, took more than two years each to fabricate and were produced at GA’s Magnet Technologies Center in Poway, California. Once shipped to the ITER fusion facility under construction in southern France, the modules will be stacked to form a massive system over 18 meters tall, weighing more than 1,000 tons. This milestone marks a significant technical achievement for the U.S. and positions GA at the forefront of global fusion innovation. The Central Solenoid will play a critical role in powering fusion reactions at ITER, an international fusion science project. GA’s successful completion of this 15-year-long project demonstrates the company’s advanced engineering capabilities and the strength of its specialized global supply chain. Beyond ITER, the expertise gained will support future fusion technologies and other applications involving
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetsITERGeneral-Atomicsmagnetic-fusionenergy-innovationNew pellet injector from US lab powers fusion record breakthrough
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a novel high-speed pellet injector that significantly advanced fusion energy research by enabling a record-breaking plasma performance at the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator in Germany. This Continuous Pellet Fueling System injects a steady stream of solid hydrogen pellets, cooled near absolute zero and accelerated by helium gas, directly into the plasma core. This deep fueling method effectively raises the plasma’s core density more efficiently than traditional gas injection from the vessel’s edge, which is crucial for sustaining the plasma’s energy confinement and achieving the fusion “triple product” — the simultaneous attainment of high ion temperature, density, and energy confinement time. The W7-X stellarator, known for its complex three-dimensional magnetic confinement, had previously struggled to maintain high plasma density for extended periods, limiting sustained high-performance operation. The ORNL pellet injector overcame this limitation by maintaining a higher plasma density, which uniquely enhances energy confinement in stellarators. This breakthrough allowed
fusion-energypellet-injectorplasma-confinementstellaratorOak-Ridge-National-Laboratoryfusion-researchenergy-breakthroughEl Capitan transforms complex physics into jaw-dropping detail
The El Capitan supercomputer, currently the world’s fastest, has revolutionized the simulation of extreme physics events by producing unprecedentedly detailed and high-resolution models. Developed for scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), El Capitan can simulate phenomena such as shock waves and fluid mixing with remarkable clarity, capturing sub-micron details that traditional computers often miss. For example, researchers used it to model the impact of shock waves on a tin surface, revealing how the metal melts and ejects tiny droplets, including the influence of microscopic surface scratches. This level of fidelity, enabled by advanced physics models and a fine computational mesh, is crucial for advancing applications in physics, national defense, and fusion energy research. A key focus of the research was the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, a complex fluid dynamic phenomenon occurring when fluids of different densities interact turbulently under extreme conditions. Using LLNL’s MARBL multiphysics code, El Capitan simulated how shockwaves interacting with minute surface rip
energysupercomputingphysics-simulationfusion-energyshock-waveshigh-performance-computingmaterials-scienceGeneral Fusion gets funds to keep 'magnetized target fusion' alive
Canada-based nuclear fusion startup General Fusion has secured $22 million (C$30 million) in new funding, providing a crucial lifeline after a difficult period earlier in 2023 that included layoffs and an open appeal for financial support by CEO Greg Twinney. This investment, led by Segra Capital and PenderFund among others, aims to help the company continue advancing its magnetized target fusion (MTF) technology and move toward commercial fusion energy. Alongside the funding, General Fusion appointed two new board members and emphasized that progress continued despite prior financial challenges. General Fusion is developing its Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), a half-scale prototype fusion reactor using deuterium fuel and electromagnetic compression of a lithium liner, with the goal of achieving scientific breakeven—where net energy output equals input—by 2026. The LM26 employs a magnetic field to contain plasma, which is compressed by steam-driven pistons pressing a liquid lithium wall inward, aiming to reach the conditions necessary for
energynuclear-fusionfusion-energymagnetized-target-fusionLM26-reactorclean-energyenergy-startupWorld’s largest tokamak gets advanced tool to measure fusion heat
The JT-60SA fusion facility in Naka, Japan, has reached a major milestone with the installation of the Edge Thomson Scattering (TS) diagnostics system, complementing the already developed core TS system. Thomson Scattering is a vital diagnostic technique that uses laser light scattered by plasma electrons to measure electron temperature and density, key parameters for understanding and controlling fusion reactions. The combined core and edge TS systems provide comprehensive, high-resolution coverage of the plasma cross-section, with the core system measuring 46 points from 2.6 m to 3.73 m radius and the edge system covering 49 points from 3.7 m to 4.17 m radius. The fine spatial resolution, narrowing to 5.5 mm at the plasma edge, enables detailed analysis of critical plasma features such as the pedestal profiles. Designed for high operational performance, the core TS system operates at 50 Hz and the edge system at 100 Hz, allowing rapid data acquisition essential for plasma stability and control
energyfusion-energytokamakplasma-diagnosticsThomson-scatteringmagnetic-confinement-fusionJT-60SANew AI method accelerates plasma heat defense in reactors
Researchers from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the DOE’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new AI method called HEAT-ML to accelerate the protection of fusion reactors from extreme plasma heat. HEAT-ML enhances the existing Heat flux Engineering Analysis Toolkit (HEAT) by using a deep neural network trained on about 1,000 SPARC tokamak simulations to rapidly generate 3D “shadow masks.” These masks identify regions of the reactor’s inner walls shielded from direct plasma contact, which is critical to preventing damage from plasma temperatures exceeding those at the Sun’s core. Traditional HEAT simulations can take up to 30 minutes per run, whereas HEAT-ML produces results in milliseconds, dramatically speeding up the design and operational decision-making processes for fusion systems. The AI was initially tested on 15 tiles near the bottom of SPARC’s exhaust system, the area expected to experience the highest heat loads. By quickly and accurately locating magnetic shadows, HEAT-ML supports
energyfusion-energyAI-in-energyplasma-heat-managementfusion-reactorstokamakenergy-technologyUS nuclear research to be led by AI-powered fusion design system
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in collaboration with Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), have developed an AI-driven system called the Multi-Agent Design Assistant (MADA) to automate and accelerate the design of targets for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. MADA integrates large language models (LLMs) fine-tuned on internal simulation codes with high-performance computing to interpret natural language and hand-drawn diagrams, generating full simulation decks for LLNL’s 3D multiphysics code MARBL. This enables rapid exploration of fusion capsule designs by running thousands of simulations on supercomputers such as El Capitan, the world’s fastest, and Tuolumne. The AI system uses an Inverse Design Agent to convert human inputs into simulation parameters and a Job Management Agent to handle scheduling across HPC resources. This approach significantly compresses design cycles and expands the design space exploration from a handful of concepts to potentially thousands
energyfusion-energyartificial-intelligencesupercomputingnuclear-researchinertial-confinement-fusionhigh-energy-density-physicsUS fusion ignition propels with THOR's 'burning plasma' breakthrough
A collaborative research effort led by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) achieved a significant fusion ignition breakthrough using LANL’s new Thinned Hohlraum Optimization for Radflow (THOR) window system. Conducted on June 22, 2025, at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the experiment generated a fusion energy yield of 2.4±0.09 megajoules and produced a self-sustaining fusion reaction, confirming that ignition is possible even when the hohlraum is modified to allow X-rays to escape for diagnostic purposes. This success validates high-fidelity 3D simulations and demonstrates that fusion ignition can be maintained despite the energy loss and asymmetry challenges introduced by the THOR windows. The THOR system modifies the conventional NIF hohlraum by incorporating windows around its equator, enabling some X-rays to exit and irradiate test materials. This innovation allows scientists to study material responses
energyfusion-energyinertial-confinement-fusionLos-Alamos-National-LaboratoryTHOR-systemX-ray-diagnosticsmaterials-scienceSOSV bets plasma will change everything from semiconductors to spacecraft
SOSV, a venture capital firm, is making a significant bet on plasma technology, planning to invest in over 25 plasma-related startups within the next five years. The firm is also launching a new Hax lab in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to foster innovation in this space. Plasma, a state of matter created by compressing fuel until atoms fuse and release energy, holds promise far beyond fusion energy alone. Duncan Turner, SOSV’s general partner, highlights that the best applications of plasma are yet to be discovered, indicating vast untapped potential. Beyond fusion, SOSV has already invested in companies like Yplasma, which utilizes plasma actuators for cooling data center chips and optimizing airflow over wind turbine blades. Plasma’s role in semiconductor manufacturing could lead to breakthroughs in materials and processes, while plasma thrusters offer more fuel-efficient propulsion for spacecraft. Additionally, plasma technology could enable the production of valuable chemicals such as ammonia
energyplasma-technologyfusion-energysemiconductor-manufacturingspacecraft-propulsionrenewable-energyadvanced-materialsNuclear fusion reactors can turn mercury into gold, US firm claims
A US engineering firm, Marathon Fusion, claims to have developed a scalable method to transmute mercury into stable gold using nuclear fusion reactors. Their approach involves bombarding the mercury-198 isotope with high-energy neutrons produced in a fusion reactor’s breeding blanket, converting it first into the unstable mercury-197 isotope, which then decays into gold-197—the naturally occurring stable form of gold—within days. This process leverages the neutrons generated during the fusion of deuterium and tritium, which normally produce helium and energy, by incorporating mercury into the fusion blanket to facilitate the transmutation. The company estimates that a one-gigawatt fusion power plant could yield up to 5,000 kilograms (about 11,000 pounds) of gold annually, potentially generating over $550 million in gold revenue per year without compromising energy output or tritium production. This could significantly enhance the economic viability of fusion power plants by subsidizing their deployment through valuable gold production. The paper also
energynuclear-fusiongold-synthesismercury-transmutationfusion-reactorneutron-multiplierfusion-energyUK's nuclear fusion tech to boost plant productivity with less downtime
The UK’s nuclear fusion program, led by UKAEA’s Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) under the Fusion Futures initiative, is advancing two key remote maintenance technologies designed to enhance fusion plant productivity and reduce downtime. Collaborating with industry partners such as M5TEC and DEMCON, the program focuses on developing radiation-hardened components capable of operating reliably in extreme fusion environments. Notably, M5TEC has created a 10MGy Total Integrated Dose Actuator Set that withstands high radiation levels, enabling longer autonomous operation by reducing maintenance intervals. DEMCON has developed a 1MGy radiation-tolerant analogue-to-digital multiplexer that simplifies robotic system architectures and cuts cabling needs by 60%, improving signal transmission in high-radiation settings. These innovations are critical to supporting the UK’s fusion energy ambitions by extending operational time and enhancing the robustness of fusion plant systems. The collaboration has successfully delivered design, hardware, and radiation testing within tight schedules, marking a
energyfusion-energyremote-maintenanceradiation-hardened-actuatorsrobotic-systemsUKAEAfusion-power-plantsJapan achieves 500,000+ tesla magnetic field force with new laser
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel technique called bladed microtube implosion (BMI) that generates extremely strong magnetic fields—exceeding 500 kilotesla—using ultra-intense laser pulses directed at small hollow metal cylinders with blade-like internal structures. As the laser heats and compresses the cylinder, the plasma inside spins and creates a powerful electric current, which in turn produces a magnetic field without requiring any external magnetic field to initiate the process. This self-amplifying mechanism mimics star-level magnetic forces and could enable the study of extreme magnetic environments in compact laboratory settings. The breakthrough, led by Professor Masakatsu Murakami, was demonstrated through advanced computer simulations using Osaka University’s SQUID supercomputer and a specialized particle behavior model. Although not yet experimentally verified, the researchers anticipate near-term testing with existing laser systems. Potential applications span space science—simulating magnetized stars and cosmic jets—fusion energy research, particularly improving proton-beam fast ignition techniques, and national defense
energyfusion-energymagnetic-fieldslaser-technologyplasma-physicsOsaka-Universityhigh-energy-physicsChina makes first advanced cryomodule for nuclear research facility
China has achieved a significant breakthrough in particle accelerator technology by developing its first high-performance double-spoke superconducting cavity cryomodule. This advancement supports Phase II of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS-II), a leading facility for nuclear physics and advanced materials research. The two superconducting cavities demonstrated impressive acceleration strengths of 12.8 and 15.2 megavolts per meter during pulsed operation tests. Key technical improvements included reducing peak electric fields, preventing multipacting, and simplifying manufacturing, complemented by a novel chemical polishing technique that enhanced cavity quality factors (Q-values exceeding 3.4×10¹⁰ at 9 MV/m). The cryomodule design incorporates carbon fiber tie rods to minimize heat loss and allow precise cavity positioning under cryogenic conditions, alongside a carefully controlled cooling process to maintain high performance. The CSNS, the world’s fourth pulsed accelerator-driven neutron source, reached its initial design power of 100 kilowatts in 2020
energynuclear-researchsuperconducting-cavitycryomoduleparticle-acceleratorfusion-energymaterials-scienceStartups Weekly: No sign of pause
The article "Startups Weekly: No sign of pause" highlights the continued dynamism in the startup ecosystem despite major industry events like WWDC, with June seeing numerous significant deals and IPO announcements. It underscores that startup trajectories are often nonlinear, exemplified by neobank Chime’s near-collapse in 2016 before its highly anticipated IPO. Other notable startups include Nucleus Genomics, which offers controversial embryo genetic testing, and Automattic, the WordPress.com owner, which continues to support its personal CRM app after raising substantial venture capital. The piece also details key venture capital and funding developments, spotlighting several large and strategic investments. Multiverse Computing raised about $215 million for its technology that reduces the size and cost of large language models, while enterprise AI company Glean’s valuation surged to $7.2 billion. Other highlighted startups include Fervo Energy, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for geothermal projects; German nuclear fuel startup Proxima Fusion; delivery robot company Coco Robotics
energygeothermal-energyfusion-energyroboticsdelivery-robotsAI-integrationstartup-fundingMassive US device to unlock fusion secrets by recreating solar storm
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has launched a groundbreaking facility called the Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments (FLARE) to study magnetic reconnection, a powerful process where magnetic field lines snap and reconnect, releasing vast energy. This phenomenon, which drives solar flares and disrupts technologies like GPS and power grids on Earth, also affects fusion reactors by interfering with plasma stability. FLARE, an SUV-sized device capable of discharging over 6 million joules—enough energy to power a thousand homes for five seconds—enables scientists to recreate and analyze these cosmic-scale events in a controlled laboratory setting, something previously impossible with spacecraft or computer simulations. FLARE’s unique design allows it to simulate multiple reconnection sites simultaneously, addressing a major gap in current research that has only observed single “X-points” where magnetic lines reconnect. This capability could provide the first experimental evidence of multi-point reconnection, offering new insights into how reconnection heats plasma and impacts large astrophysical systems
energyfusion-energymagnetic-reconnectionplasma-physicssolar-stormspower-gridslaboratory-experiments