Articles tagged with "nuclear-fusion"
US firm advances with Google to fine tune nuclear fusion reactor plasma
US-based nuclear fusion company Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has partnered with Google’s DeepMind to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing the plasma control of its upcoming SPARC fusion reactor. The collaboration utilizes DeepMind’s open-source Torax software, released in 2024, to simulate and model the superhot plasma inside SPARC, aiming to improve operational efficiency and accelerate the development of commercial fusion power plants, known as ARC. By applying reinforcement learning—an AI technique previously used by DeepMind in other fusion research and famously in AlphaGo—the project seeks to identify optimal configurations for fueling rates, radio-frequency heating, and magnet currents while maintaining safe operational limits. This partnership builds on an existing relationship, with Google already investing in CFS and committing to purchase 200 megawatts of power from the first ARC plant expected in the early 2030s. The AI-driven approach could be used both for pre-operation planning and real-time control, including managing heat exhaust in critical reactor regions.
energynuclear-fusionartificial-intelligenceplasma-controlDeepMindfusion-reactorrenewable-energyThe 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-energyWorld's largest fusion reactor gets critical 4-ton tool from US lab
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) in the United States is providing a critical diagnostic tool—a four-ton X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer (XICS)—for Japan’s JT-60SA, the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor set to begin operations in 2026. This collaboration, involving PPPL, Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), and Europe’s Fusion for Energy (F4E), marks one of the first instances of US equipment being installed directly in JT-60SA. The XICS instrument will measure X-rays emitted from the plasma within the reactor, providing highly accurate data on plasma temperature, speed, and particle presence, which are essential for controlling the plasma and maintaining reactor stability. JT-60SA, a superconducting tokamak, will be the most powerful fusion device until the ITER facility in France becomes operational, offering a unique opportunity to explore plasma behaviors at unprecedented power densities. The precise measurements from the XICS will help scientists understand new plasma
energyfusion-reactorplasma-controlX-ray-imaging-crystal-spectrometernuclear-fusiontokamakenergy-researchMIT team creates model to prevent plasma disruptions in tokamaks
Scientists at MIT have developed a novel method to predict and manage plasma behavior during the rampdown process in tokamak nuclear reactors. Rampdown involves safely reducing the plasma current, which circulates at extremely high speeds and temperatures, to prevent instability that can damage the reactor’s interior. However, the rampdown itself can sometimes destabilize the plasma, causing costly damage. To address this, the MIT team combined physics-based plasma dynamic models with machine learning techniques, training their model on experimental data from the Swiss TCV tokamak. This hybrid approach allowed the model to accurately and quickly predict plasma evolution and potential instabilities during rampdown using relatively small datasets. The new model not only enhances prediction accuracy but also translates these predictions into actionable control instructions, or “trajectories,” that a tokamak’s control system can implement to maintain plasma stability. This capability was successfully tested on multiple TCV experimental runs, demonstrating safer plasma rampdowns and potentially improving the reliability and safety of future nuclear fusion reactors. The research,
energynuclear-fusionplasma-physicsmachine-learningtokamakclean-energyplasma-stabilityChina's BEST fusion reactor moves closer to power generation goal
China's Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) fusion reactor has reached a significant construction milestone with the installation of the Dewar base, a massive vacuum-insulated vessel critical for maintaining the cryogenic temperatures needed by the reactor’s superconducting magnets. Weighing over 400 tonnes and measuring 18 meters in diameter, the Dewar base is the largest vacuum component ever produced in China’s fusion research field. This installation lays the foundation for assembling the reactor’s core systems and is essential for confining plasma heated to over 100 million degrees Celsius, a key step toward achieving the project’s goal of generating electricity from fusion by 2030, initially aiming to power a light bulb. This progress places China’s BEST reactor among the leading global fusion projects, which aim not only to sustain fusion plasma but also to convert fusion energy into practical electricity generation. The development occurs alongside international efforts such as the ITER project in France, where superconducting wire testing and advanced diagnostic tools are advancing fusion research
energynuclear-fusionsuperconducting-magnetsfusion-reactorpower-generationcryogenicsplasma-confinementPrinceton AI restores missing fusion data to improve reactor control
An international team led by Princeton University has developed an AI system called Diag2Diag that generates synthetic sensor data inside fusion reactors to enhance plasma monitoring and control. By analyzing existing sensor measurements, the AI effectively acts as a virtual sensor, filling gaps when physical sensors fail or are too slow. This capability provides more detailed insights into plasma behavior, such as validating the theory that small magnetic fields create “magnetic islands” to suppress damaging edge-localized modes (ELMs) by flattening temperature and density profiles—effects that physical sensors alone could not fully capture. The improved diagnostic detail from Diag2Diag is crucial for the development of commercial fusion power plants, which must operate continuously without interruption, unlike current experimental reactors that can be shut down if sensors fail. The AI also offers economic and design advantages by potentially reducing the number of physical sensors needed, making future reactors more compact, simpler, and less costly to build and maintain. Beyond fusion, the team suggests this AI approach could enhance sensor data in
energyfusion-powerartificial-intelligenceplasma-controlsensor-technologyreactor-monitoringnuclear-fusionUS supercomputer refines most promising nuclear fusion reactor design
Type One Energy Group, based in Knoxville, has refined the design of a commercial-scale nuclear fusion power plant using extensive simulations on the Department of Energy’s Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Their advanced stellarator concept leverages high-performance computing to model plasma behavior and optimize the reactor’s physical shape, aiming to minimize turbulence and energy loss—a key challenge in sustaining fusion reactions. The team was granted 250,000 node hours on Summit, enabling thousands of complex evaluations that accelerated the design process by at least a year. This approach marks a novel use of high-fidelity performance projections in fusion power plant design. The stellarator design confines plasma made of hydrogen isotopes at temperatures around 270 million degrees Fahrenheit, about ten times hotter than the sun’s core, using intricate superconducting electromagnetic coils. While the fundamental principles have been demonstrated in research devices like Germany’s Wendelstein 7-X, Type One Energy’s simulations focused on passive turbulence control through shape optimization rather than simply scaling
energynuclear-fusionsupercomputer-simulationsstellaratorplasma-confinementfusion-reactor-designrenewable-energy-technology350-MWe nuclear reactor to turn dead US coal mine into power plant
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a Letter of Intent to Type One Energy to develop a 350-megawatt-electric (MWe) nuclear fusion power plant, named Infinity Two, at the site of the decommissioned Bull Run Fossil Plant near Knoxville, Tennessee. This project aims to repurpose the retired coal plant’s existing infrastructure, such as grid connections and access to cooling water, to support a commercial fusion facility expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. The Infinity Two plant will utilize stellarator fusion technology, which employs a complex, twisted magnetic field configuration to contain plasma, offering stable, steady-state, and high-efficiency operation—advantages over the more common tokamak design. The collaboration between TVA and Type One Energy builds on earlier agreements and commercial contracts under “Project Infinity,” including the development of a smaller stellarator testbed called Infinity One. TVA’s Power Service Shops are assisting in creating specialized welding and fabrication techniques for this prototype, which will
energynuclear-fusionpower-plantstellaratorrenewable-energygrid-integrationfusion-technologyUK firm presents pathway to commercially viable fusion power
UK-based First Light Fusion (FLF) has introduced a novel approach called Fusion via Low-power Assembly and Rapid Excitation (FLARE), which outlines a commercially viable pathway to nuclear fusion energy with a net energy gain of 1,000. Unlike conventional inertial fusion energy (IFE) methods that simultaneously compress and heat fuel, FLARE separates these steps by first compressing the fuel using modest energy and then igniting it with an auxiliary source such as a short-pulse laser or pulsed power system. This method reduces energy losses, improves confinement, and employs a liquid lithium pool to absorb neutrons, breed tritium, capture heat, and protect reactor walls without complex solid structures. FLARE’s design leverages low-cost pulsed power technology instead of high-power lasers, simplifying the system and lowering costs. The company claims that achieving a gain of 1,000—far surpassing the current experimental record of four set by the U.S. National Ignition Facility—would make fusion
energynuclear-fusionfusion-powerclean-energyinertial-fusion-energypulsed-powerenergy-gainChina 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-experimentChina's artificial sun design can boost nuclear fusion power: Study
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the “artificial sun,” has demonstrated significant advancements in nuclear fusion research, potentially accelerating the development of clean, limitless energy. Operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences since 2006, EAST recently set a world record by sustaining steady-state, long-pulse H-mode plasma at temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds. This achievement marks a critical milestone in magnetic confinement fusion, showcasing the viability of fully superconducting, non-circular tokamak designs for stable, high-performance fusion operation. The research, led by Jianwen Yan and collaborators from multiple Chinese scientific institutions, highlights that EAST’s design overcomes key challenges in maintaining long-duration, high-parameter plasma conditions essential for practical fusion energy generation. Tokamaks use powerful magnetic fields to contain superheated plasma, and EAST’s success in sustaining these extreme conditions demonstrates that advanced superconducting tokamaks can move fusion technology closer to commercial viability.
energynuclear-fusionsuperconducting-tokamakclean-energyfusion-reactorplasma-physicssustainable-energyITER fusion reactor to get spectrometer to track high-energy neutrons
The ITER fusion reactor, the world’s largest tokamak, is set to install a High Resolution Neutron Spectrometer (HRNS) to measure the number and energies of high-energy neutrons emitted by the plasma during fusion reactions. Developed collaboratively by physicists and engineers from the Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Uppsala, and the Istituto per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi in Milan, the HRNS is a critical diagnostic tool designed to track the ratio of tritium to deuterium (nt/nd) in the plasma core. This measurement is essential for understanding fuel composition, ion temperature, and combustion quality, thereby enabling optimized and safe reactor operation. The spectrometer will be installed behind a thick concrete wall surrounding the fusion chamber to withstand the harsh environment. The HRNS is uniquely designed as four independent sub-assemblies, each tailored to different neutron flux intensities and operating principles. These include the Thin-foil Proton Recoil (TPR) sub
energyfusion-reactorneutron-spectrometerplasma-diagnosticsITERnuclear-fusiontokamak5,500 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-fusionOxford images hydrogen defects in steel for safer aircraft, fusion
Researchers from the University of Oxford and Brookhaven National Laboratory have conducted a pioneering real-time 3D imaging experiment to observe how hydrogen affects defects inside stainless steel. Using an ultra-bright X-ray beam and Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging at the Advanced Photon Source in the US, they tracked the behavior of dislocations—tiny internal defects—when exposed to hydrogen. The study revealed that hydrogen acts like an atomic-level lubricant, enabling defects to move and reshape more easily, causes unexpected upward movement (climb) of these defects, and reduces internal stress through a process termed hydrogen elastic shielding. These changes collectively weaken the metal, making it more brittle and vulnerable to failure. This breakthrough provides critical insights into hydrogen embrittlement, a major challenge for the safe use of hydrogen as a clean energy source in sectors like aviation, nuclear fusion, and heavy-duty transport. By directly observing atomic-scale interactions non-destructively and in real time, the research offers new understanding that can improve multi-scale simulation models
energymaterials-sciencehydrogen-embrittlementstainless-steelnuclear-fusionclean-energymetal-defectsSuper-X exhaust with long 'legs' could reduce nuclear reactor heat
An international research team at the UK’s MAST Upgrade facility has successfully demonstrated the Super-X divertor, an innovative exhaust system for fusion reactors that can reduce heat loads on reactor walls by more than tenfold compared to previous designs. The Super-X divertor features longer “legs” that provide the superheated plasma—reaching temperatures over 10,000°C—more space and time to cool before contacting any solid surface. This design significantly lowers the thermal and particle stress on the reactor’s divertor, a critical component responsible for handling the extreme conditions at the plasma edge, thereby addressing a major engineering challenge for commercial fusion power plants. The breakthrough proves that plasma conditions in the divertor can be independently controlled without affecting the core plasma where fusion energy is produced, a key factor for stable and continuous reactor operation. Additionally, the Super-X design is easier to manage than conventional short-legged divertors and offers flexibility for future reactor designs by balancing performance with engineering complexity. These findings mark a world-first in divert
energyfusion-reactorplasma-coolingSuper-X-exhaustnuclear-fusiontokamakreactor-heat-managementUS scientists test accelerator to make tritium from nuclear waste
US scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, led by physicist Terence Tarnowsky, have developed a novel molten-salt accelerator system aimed at producing commercial tritium from nuclear waste. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen essential for nuclear fusion reactors, is currently scarce and not commercially produced in the US despite its critical role in fusion energy development. The new system uses a particle accelerator to bombard molten lithium salt with high-energy particles, generating neutrons that induce reactions to create tritium. This approach not only addresses the tritium shortage but also repurposes spent nuclear fuel, offering a sustainable and potentially safer tritium source. The accelerator-driven method offers significant advantages over traditional nuclear reactors, including the ability to be switched on and off and the absence of self-sustaining chain reactions, which enhances operational control and safety. The research team employed modeling and simulation to optimize the design, performance, and cost-effectiveness of the system, with plans to further evaluate production costs and
energynuclear-fusiontritium-productionmolten-salt-acceleratornuclear-waste-recyclingfusion-fuelclean-energy-technologyEvery fusion startup that has raised over $100M
The article highlights the recent surge in private investment and technological progress in fusion energy startups, which are moving fusion power closer to commercial viability after decades of skepticism. Advances in computing power, AI, and high-temperature superconducting magnets have enabled more sophisticated reactor designs and control methods. A key milestone was achieved in late 2022 when a U.S. Department of Energy lab produced a controlled fusion reaction that reached scientific breakeven, confirming the fundamental science behind fusion energy. This breakthrough has energized founders and investors, fueling rapid growth and large funding rounds in the fusion startup space. Among the leading companies, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) stands out, having raised nearly $3 billion, about a third of all private fusion capital. CFS is developing Sparc, a tokamak reactor with high-temperature superconducting magnets designed in collaboration with MIT, aiming for operation by 2026-2027. They plan to follow with Arc, a commercial-scale 400 MW power plant, with Google as a power
energyfusion-powernuclear-fusionclean-energysuperconducting-magnetspower-plantsrenewable-energy-technologyDiamond fusion fuel capsules' flaws decoded to ‘maximize’ energy output
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have experimentally observed, for the first time, shock-induced amorphization in diamond—a structural transformation previously predicted only by simulations. Their study reveals that diamond capsules used in inertial confinement fusion experiments, such as those at the National Ignition Facility, develop structural flaws under extreme pressures generated by powerful laser-driven shock waves. These defects range from subtle crystal distortions to complete disorder (amorphization), which can disrupt the symmetry of the implosion process critical for maximizing fusion energy output. The research demonstrated that at pressures around 69 gigapascals (GPa), diamond undergoes only elastic deformation, maintaining its lattice integrity. However, at higher pressures near 115 GPa, high shear stresses induce defects like stacking faults, dislocations, twins, and eventually amorphization. This brittle behavior of diamond under shock conditions complicates analysis but is crucial for understanding how to improve capsule design. The findings provide valuable insights into the deformation mechanisms of diamond and similar cov
energynuclear-fusiondiamond-materialsinertial-confinement-fusionmaterial-sciencehigh-pressure-physicsenergy-output-optimizationFusion breakthrough uses inverted D plasma to solve key energy challenge
Researchers at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in the US have demonstrated a significant breakthrough in nuclear fusion reactor control by using a plasma configuration called “negative triangularity,” where the plasma cross-section is shaped like an inverted “D” with the curved side facing the tokamak’s inner wall. Contrary to previous expectations that this shape would be less stable, experiments in 2023 showed that negative triangularity plasmas can achieve high pressure, density, and current simultaneously while maintaining excellent heat confinement. This configuration also exhibited unexpectedly low levels of plasma instability, which is critical for sustained fusion reactions and reducing damage to reactor walls. A key challenge in tokamak design is managing the heat at the plasma edge to protect the reactor’s interior while keeping the core hot enough for fusion. The negative triangularity approach successfully combined high plasma confinement with “divertor detachment,” a condition that cools the plasma boundary and reduces heat load on material surfaces without triggering instabilities. This integrated solution addresses the core-edge heat management
energynuclear-fusionplasma-physicstokamakfusion-reactorenergy-breakthroughfusion-energy-researchGeneral 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-startupStruggling fusion power company General Fusion gets $22M lifeline from investors
General Fusion, a Canadian nuclear fusion startup founded in 2002, has secured $22 million in new funding from existing investors to address its financial challenges. Although the company described the funding round as “oversubscribed,” the amount falls significantly short of the $125 million it had sought. This fresh capital, described by Segra Capital’s chief investment officer as the minimum needed to reach the next scientific milestone, will provide limited runway for General Fusion to continue developing its half-scale prototype reactor, Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), which it commissioned earlier this year. General Fusion is pursuing magnetized target fusion, a process where plasma containing heavy hydrogen isotopes is compressed by a liquid lithium wall driven inward by steam pistons to achieve the conditions necessary for fusion. The company aims to reach scientific breakeven—the point where energy output equals energy input—though it did not provide a specific timeline. Interim goals include heating plasma to 10 million and then 100 million degrees Celsius. Given the modest funding
energyfusion-powernuclear-fusionclean-energyenergy-startupfusion-reactorscientific-breakevenNew AI hits 94% accuracy in predicting nuclear fusion plasma failures
Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Professor Sun Youwen, have developed two advanced AI systems aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear fusion experiments. The first AI tool uses interpretable decision tree models to predict plasma disruptions—sudden events that can damage fusion reactors—achieving a 94% accuracy rate and providing warnings approximately 137 milliseconds before disruptions occur. This early detection focuses on identifying ‘locked modes,’ a common plasma instability, and offers transparent insights into the physical signals behind disruptions. The second AI system employs a multi-task learning model to monitor plasma states, accurately classifying different operating modes and detecting edge-localized modes (ELMs) with a 96.7% success rate, thereby supporting smoother and safer reactor operations. These AI innovations address critical challenges in nuclear fusion, a promising clean energy source that could provide nearly limitless power without carbon emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. As global energy demand rises and the environmental impact of fossil
energynuclear-fusionAI-in-energyplasma-monitoringfusion-reactor-safetyclean-energyfusion-energy-technologyNuclear fusion gets electrochemical shock to boost reaction rates
Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a novel method to enhance nuclear fusion reaction rates at room temperature using a compact, bench-top reactor called the Thunderbird Reactor. This device combines a particle accelerator with an electrochemical cell to load deuterium fuel into a palladium metal target from two sides: a plasma field on one side and electrochemical loading on the other. The electrochemical process, which applies just one volt of electricity, effectively "squeezes" more deuterium into the metal, achieving what normally requires extremely high pressures. This dual-loading approach resulted in a 15% increase in deuterium–deuterium fusion events, marking the first demonstration of fusion using this combination of techniques, although the experiment did not achieve net energy gain. This research represents a significant shift from traditional fusion experiments that rely on large, high-temperature reactors, potentially democratizing fusion science by enabling smaller-scale, more accessible laboratory setups. The work builds on a 2015
energynuclear-fusionelectrochemistryparticle-acceleratordeuteriumpalladiumfusion-researchCoal Power Plant Demolished For Nuclear Fusion Prototype - CleanTechnica
The article reports on the demolition of the Bull Run Fossil Plant, an 864 MWe coal power plant commissioned in 1967 and located in the U.S., to make way for a nuclear fusion prototype. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) decided to retire the plant due to high operational costs and low capacity factors, officially shutting it down on December 1, 2023. Demolition began in early 2025 and will continue into early 2026, with specialists hired by TVA handling the process. The new project involves constructing the Infinity One stellarator fusion device within the existing Turbine Hall and adjacent areas, creating several hundred construction jobs. The Infinity One stellarator serves as a design verification device for the larger Infinity Two fusion power plant, which is concurrently being designed. While Infinity One will not produce net energy, Infinity Two is expected to generate 300-350 MWe of net electricity and aims to compete economically with traditional coal and natural gas plants on a levelized cost
energynuclear-fusionpower-plant-demolitionclean-energysustainable-energyenergy-transitionfusion-prototypeNuclear waste could supply rare hydrogen fuel for US fusion reactors
Scientists in the United States are exploring a novel method to recycle nuclear waste to produce tritium, a rare isotope of hydrogen essential for nuclear fusion reactors. Nuclear fusion, which fuses atoms to release large amounts of nearly emission-free energy, requires both deuterium and tritium as fuel. While deuterium is abundant, tritium is scarce and expensive, with current commercial prices around $15 million per pound. The US lacks domestic tritium production capability and relies on limited global supplies, primarily from Canadian reactors. Given the US’s vast stockpiles of radioactive nuclear waste from fission power plants, researchers see an opportunity to generate tritium from this waste, potentially turning a costly disposal problem into a valuable resource. Physicist Terence Tarnowsky at Los Alamos National Laboratory conducted computer simulations of reactor designs that use particle accelerators to initiate atom-splitting reactions in nuclear waste. These reactions release neutrons that, through subsequent nuclear transitions, produce trit
energynuclear-fusiontritium-productionnuclear-waste-recyclingclean-energyparticle-acceleratorfusion-reactorsAI helps US fusion lab predict ignition outcomes with 70% accuracy
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have developed an AI model that predicts the outcome of inertial confinement nuclear fusion experiments with over 70% accuracy, outperforming traditional supercomputing methods. The deep learning model was trained on a combination of previously collected experimental data, physics simulations, and expert knowledge, enabling it to capture complex parameters and replicate real experiment imperfections. When tested on the National Ignition Facility’s (NIF) 2022 fusion experiment, the AI correctly predicted a 74% probability of a positive ignition outcome, demonstrating its potential to optimize experimental designs before physical trials. Nuclear fusion, which combines light atomic nuclei to release energy, promises a cleaner and more efficient energy source than current nuclear fission plants, producing significantly more energy per kilogram of fuel without radioactive byproducts. The NIF uses powerful lasers to induce fusion in tiny fuel capsules, but due to the limited number of ignition attempts possible annually, optimizing each experiment is critical. The AI model’s ability
energynuclear-fusionartificial-intelligencemachine-learningLawrence-Livermore-National-LaboratoryNational-Ignition-Facilityclean-energyMagnetic secrets of plasma revealed for stable nuclear fusion reactor
Researchers from South Korea have experimentally demonstrated the phenomenon of multi-scale coupling in plasma, revealing how microscopic turbulence at the particle level can induce large-scale structural changes in plasma systems. Using the Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus (VEST) device at Seoul National University, the team generated two electron beam-driven flux ropes within a 3D helical magnetic field. These flux ropes exhibited turbulence that triggered magnetic reconnection—a process where magnetic field lines break and reconnect—resulting in the merging of the two flux ropes into a larger structure. This experiment provided the first direct observation of three-dimensional (3D) reconnection driven by turbulence beyond the traditional magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) framework. The findings have significant implications for nuclear fusion technology and astrophysics. For fusion research, understanding how particle-level turbulence influences plasma stability could lead to improved control strategies necessary for sustaining stable fusion reactions. In astrophysics, the energy spectra observed during the experiment’s magnetic reconnection closely resemble those seen in cosmic plasma
energynuclear-fusionplasma-physicsmagnetic-reconnectionturbulencemagnetohydrodynamicsexperimental-physics36-mile-long starship planned for humanity's first interstellar journey
The Chrysalis Project proposes a 36-mile-long, cigar-shaped multigenerational starship designed to carry up to 2,400 people on humanity’s first interstellar journey to Alpha Centauri, specifically aiming to reach and settle on the potentially habitable exoplanet Proxima Centauri b. The one-way trip would take approximately 400 years, requiring multiple generations to live and die aboard the ship without returning to Earth. The project won the top prize in the Project Hyperion Design Competition, which focuses on conceptual designs for deep-space multigenerational vessels. The spacecraft would be built at the Earth-Moon L1 Lagrangian point to leverage nearby resources and minimize structural stresses. Its design resembles a Russian nesting doll, featuring multiple self-contained layers that form a complete ecosystem. These layers include farms, biomes for biodiversity preservation, residential areas, and community facilities such as schools and hospitals, all powered by nuclear fusion reactors. Artificial gravity would be generated through constant rotation. Population control
energynuclear-fusionspace-explorationinterstellar-travelspacecraft-designartificial-gravitysustainable-habitatsUS tests nuclear fusion steel at 1112°F, finds flaw in radiation
Researchers at the University of Michigan have tested an advanced reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel, designed for use in fusion reactors, at temperatures of 1112°F (600°C) under simulated radiation conditions. This steel, known as castable nanostructured alloy #9 (CNA9), contains billions of nanoscale titanium-carbide (TiC) particles intended to trap helium produced during fusion reactions and prevent material swelling. Using a novel dual ion beam technique to simultaneously induce radiation damage and helium implantation, the team found that while TiC particles effectively trapped helium at lower radiation levels, they began to dissolve at high damage levels (50 to 100 displacements per atom), causing the steel to swell by about 2%. This unexpected dissolution of TiC precipitates at high radiation doses challenges previous assumptions about the material's stability and highlights the need for further alloy refinement. The researchers suggest increasing the density of TiC particles by a factor of 1,000 to
energymaterialsnuclear-fusionsteel-alloysradiation-tolerancetitanium-carbidefusion-reactor-materialsChina deploys breakthrough super steel to build nuclear fusion plant
China has developed a breakthrough alloy called CHSN01 (China high-strength low-temperature steel No 1) specifically engineered for the extreme conditions inside nuclear fusion reactors. This steel can withstand intense magnetic fields up to 20 Tesla and pressures of 1,300 MPa at cryogenic temperatures, addressing a longstanding challenge in fusion technology materials. After more than a decade of research and development—including key improvements in alloy composition and toughness—CHSN01 was successfully integrated into the construction of China’s BEST fusion reactor, which began assembly in 2023 and aims for completion by 2027. China’s fusion ambitions surpass those of international projects like ITER, which is designed primarily for research and operates at lower magnetic field strengths (up to 11.8 Tesla). Chinese scientists, led by researchers such as Li Laifeng and supported by renowned physicist Zhao Zhongxian, set stringent material standards in 2021 to enable stronger, more durable reactor components. The development of CHSN01 involved a national
materialsnuclear-fusionsuperconducting-magnetshigh-strength-steelcryogenic-materialsChinaenergyConstruction of world's 1st nuclear fusion plant starts in Washington
Helion Energy, a Washington-based startup backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SoftBank’s venture capital arm, has commenced construction of the world’s first nuclear fusion power plant, named Orion, in Chelan County, Washington. The project aims to produce low-cost, zero-carbon electricity by harnessing nuclear fusion using fuel derived from water. Helion plans to begin electricity generation by 2028 and supply power directly to Microsoft data centers through a power purchase agreement established in 2023, with Constellation Energy acting as the power marketer. The site was chosen for its access to major transmission networks and its history of energy innovation. Helion has made significant technological strides, having previously achieved fuel temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius with its prototype Trenta, a key milestone for commercial fusion viability. The company is currently developing a newer prototype, Polaris, in Everett, Washington, to address the challenge of generating more energy from fusion than is consumed to sustain the reaction—a hurdle that fusion energy research
energynuclear-fusionclean-energyHelion-Energypower-plantzero-carbon-electricitysustainable-energyUS study finds lithium in reactor vessel could boost nuclear fusion
A recent US-led study involving nine institutions has found that using lithium as a wall material in tokamak fusion reactors could significantly enhance fusion performance. Lithium coatings on reactor walls help stabilize plasma by creating an even temperature gradient from the plasma core to its edge, which is crucial for maintaining stable plasma conditions needed for commercial fusion. Unlike pre-applied lithium coatings, injecting lithium powder during fusion operation proves more effective, as it forms a self-repairing molten layer that protects the vessel walls from the extreme heat—temperatures hotter than the sun’s core—by creating a gas or vapor shield. This protective mechanism reduces wall erosion and limits unwanted material entering the plasma, thereby improving plasma-facing surface durability. The study also addressed concerns about fuel trapping in lithium, finding that the thickness of lithium coatings before plasma shots does not significantly affect fuel retention. Lithium’s ability to absorb fuel atoms rather than reflect them helps stabilize the plasma edge, enhance plasma confinement, and enable higher power densities—key factors for developing compact and efficient
lithiumnuclear-fusionfusion-reactormaterials-scienceplasma-facing-componentstokamakenergy-innovationNuclear 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-energyAvalanche Energy hits key milestone on the road to a desktop fusion reactor
Avalanche Energy has reached a significant milestone in developing a desktop fusion reactor by successfully operating its machine for hours at 300,000 volts. This voltage level is critical for their approach, which uses intense electrical currents rather than powerful magnets to accelerate ions into tight orbits around an electrode, causing them to collide and fuse, releasing energy. The company aims to build small reactors producing between 5 to several hundred kilowatts, with the high voltage density (6 million volts per meter) enabling efficient neutron generation for producing radioisotopes and testing fusion materials. The startup recently secured a $10 million grant from Washington State to build FusionWERX, a testing facility available to other fusion researchers that allows users to retain full intellectual property rights. Avalanche plans to become profitable by 2028 through radioisotope sales and FusionWERX rentals, forecasting revenues of $30 million to $50 million by 2029. The company is reportedly preparing for a Series A funding round to meet the 50%
energyfusion-reactordesktop-fusionclean-energynuclear-fusionenergy-innovationfusion-technologyUK nuclear fusion labs to get 3D boost to build tougher reactor parts
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has commissioned two advanced 3D printing machines to produce components for future nuclear fusion reactors capable of withstanding extreme conditions such as high heat, intense neutron radiation, and strong magnetic fields. These machines, housed at the new Central Support Facility, include an electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) system from Freemelt designed to fuse tungsten powder into dense, ultra-tough plasma-facing parts, and a selective laser melting (SLM) machine from Nikon SLM Solutions for fabricating complex geometries and material combinations. Both additive manufacturing methods aim to reduce reliance on traditional fabrication techniques like welding, streamlining production and enhancing precision. UKAEA emphasizes that additive manufacturing is critical for producing the thousands or millions of specialized components required for commercial fusion power plants, as it allows for intricate designs in small volumes with improved efficiency and potentially lower costs. The dual capability of electron beam and laser-based 3D printing under one roof is a pioneering step for the
energynuclear-fusion3D-printingadditive-manufacturingtungstenreactor-componentsmaterials-engineeringJapan: Helical bets on stellarators for nuclear power with new funds
Japan-based Helical Fusion Company has secured $15 million in Series A funding, bringing its total capital to $35 million, to advance its “Helix Program” aimed at developing the world’s first steady-state net power nuclear fusion plant by the 2030s. The company is pioneering a commercial fusion reactor based on a stellarator design, a magnetic confinement technique with a proven track record of stable, continuous plasma operation. This approach builds on decades of research at Japan’s National Institute for Fusion Science, home to the Large Helical Device (LHD), and aims to provide carbon-neutral, round-the-clock energy for global needs as well as space missions. The Helix Program includes two main projects: Helix Haruka, an intermediate device for validating components and systems, and Helix Kanata, a full-scale pilot plant designed to deliver steady-state net-electric fusion power. Helical Fusion emphasizes the stellarator’s advantages in maintainability, uptime, and energy-positive performance, noting that it has
energynuclear-fusionstellaratorHelical-Fusionrenewable-energyfusion-power-plantcarbon-neutral-energyITER plans half-mile boron gas pipelines to purify fusion plasma
The ITER fusion project is developing an extensive boronization system to purify plasma and reduce impurities in its tokamak reactor, following a 2023 decision to switch plasma chamber armor from beryllium to tungsten. This system applies a thin boron layer (10-100 nanometers) to all plasma-facing surfaces, which captures oxygen impurities that could otherwise increase radiative losses and destabilize the plasma, especially during discharge initiation. The boron layer is deposited using diborane gas (a hydrogen-boron compound) injected into the tokamak, where it decomposes and chemically bonds to surfaces via a glow-discharge-assisted plasma process. The gas injection system involves over a kilometer of piping and 21 injection points within the facility. Designing this system at ITER’s unprecedented scale and in a tritiated environment posed challenges, including ensuring the compatibility of high-energy anodes with frequent boronization cycles and achieving even boron coverage. These issues were addressed through international collaboration and testing with other
energynuclear-fusiontokamakboronizationplasma-purificationITERfusion-technologyWestinghouse to assemble core of the world’s largest fusion reactor
Westinghouse Electric Company has secured a $180 million contract with the ITER Organization to undertake the final assembly of the tokamak’s core component—the vacuum vessel—at the world’s largest nuclear fusion facility, ITER. This vacuum vessel is a double-walled steel chamber that will contain the fusion plasma, and Westinghouse will weld together its nine sectors to form the torus-shaped chamber. The contract marks a significant milestone as ITER progresses toward its goal of achieving 500 MW of fusion power output from 50 MW of input heating power, demonstrating a tenfold energy gain. ITER aims to conduct initial deuterium-deuterium fusion operations by 2035 and ultimately prove fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free energy source, although it will not generate electricity itself. Westinghouse, a veteran in nuclear fission technology, has been involved with ITER for over a decade, contributing to the manufacturing of vacuum vessel sectors alongside partners in the AMW consortium. The ITER project is a massive international collaboration
energynuclear-fusionWestinghouseITERtokamakvacuum-vesselfusion-reactorGoogle taps ‘world’s first’ nuclear fusion plant for 200 MW power
Google has entered a landmark agreement with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to purchase 200 megawatts of clean fusion electricity from CFS’s upcoming ARC plant, slated to be the world’s first grid-scale nuclear fusion power facility. Located in Chesterfield County, Virginia, ARC aims to deliver 400 megawatts of zero-carbon energy by the early 2030s, enough to power around 150,000 homes or large industrial centers. Google will receive half of ARC’s output and has the option to buy electricity from future plants. The tech giant is also participating in a funding round to support CFS’s development efforts, marking its first commercial commitment to fusion energy. Fusion energy, generated by fusing light atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures, offers a carbon-free power source with fewer safety and waste concerns compared to traditional nuclear energy. CFS, a spinout from MIT, is among the best-funded fusion startups, having raised $1.8 billion in 2021, with Google
energynuclear-fusionclean-energypower-plantrenewable-energygrid-scale-energyfusion-technologyUS physicists replicate forgotten nuclear fusion experiment from 1938
US physicists at Los Alamos have successfully replicated a nearly 90-year-old nuclear fusion experiment originally conducted in 1938 by University of Michigan physicist A. J. Ruhlig. Ruhlig’s experiment was the first to observe triton-deuterium (DT) fusion, a reaction now fundamental to nuclear fusion research and national security applications. Although Ruhlig overestimated the fusion reaction rate compared to modern understanding, his qualitative insight that DT fusion occurs with high probability when deuterium and tritium nuclei are brought close together has been validated. The replication helped clarify Ruhlig’s role in the early development of nuclear fuel physics and confirmed the significance of his accidental discovery. The modern experiment employed advanced neutron detection methods and introduced a novel approach to measure low-energy triton stopping powers in deuterium-containing materials. These measurements are directly relevant to ongoing fusion research, including efforts at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and other fusion energy projects. While the replicated experiment observed secondary DT reactions
energynuclear-fusiontriton-deuterium-fusionfusion-technologynuclear-energy-researchlow-energy-triton-stopping-powersinertial-confinement-fusionChina ditches calcium in nuclear fusion race to discover new elements
Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China have developed a novel method for synthesizing superheavy elements beyond uranium using argon-40 (⁴⁰Ar) beams instead of the conventionally used calcium-48 (⁴⁸Ca). Superheavy elements, which have atomic numbers greater than 104, are typically unstable and synthesized in laboratories through fusion reactions involving heavy target nuclei and lighter ion beams. The traditional use of ⁴⁸Ca beams, favored for their high neutron numbers and favorable reaction dynamics, is costly due to the rarity of ⁴⁸Ca, limiting the production of many superheavy nuclei. The new approach proposes bombarding synthetic radioactive berkelium (²⁴⁹Bk) with ⁴⁰Ar to produce isotopes like 286Mc, which is key to the alpha decay chain of the yet-undiscovered element 119. Theoretical models indicate that ⁴⁰Ar offers better fusion probabilities and favorable
materialsnuclear-fusionsuperheavy-elementselement-synthesisparticle-acceleratorsnuclear-stabilityfusion-evaporationLaser breakthrough for ultra-intense pulses advance nuclear fusion
Scientists from the University of Oxford and Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich have developed a novel technique called RAVEN (Real-time Acquisition of Vectorial Electromagnetic Near-fields) to measure the complete profile of ultra-intense laser pulses in a single shot. Tested on Germany’s ATLAS-3000 petawatt-class laser, RAVEN captures distortions and wave shifts in real-time, enabling immediate fine-tuning of the laser system. Unlike previous methods that required hundreds of firings to build a full picture, RAVEN provides a comprehensive spatio-temporal characterization—including shape, timing, and alignment—from just one image, offering unprecedented insights into laser-matter interactions. The technique works by splitting the laser beam, analyzing its color changes over time, and separating light based on polarization through a crystal, with a grid of micro-lenses capturing the pulse’s wavefront structure. This data is then reconstructed by a neural network to reveal the pulse’s detailed profile instantly. This real-time feedback
energylaser-technologynuclear-fusionultra-intense-lasersreal-time-measurementphysics-researchhigh-power-systemsEvery fusion startup that has raised over $100M
The article highlights the recent surge in investment and technological progress in private fusion energy startups, which are moving fusion power closer to commercial viability. Fusion, long considered perpetually decades away, is now gaining momentum due to advances in computing power, AI, and high-temperature superconducting magnets, enabling more sophisticated reactor designs and control systems. A key milestone was achieved in late 2022 when a U.S. Department of Energy lab produced a controlled fusion reaction reaching scientific breakeven, confirming the underlying science. This progress has energized startups to pursue commercially relevant fusion power plants that could disrupt massive energy markets. Several fusion startups have raised over $100 million, with three notable companies leading the charge. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), backed by investors like Bill Gates and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, has raised $2 billion and is developing the Sparc tokamak reactor in Massachusetts, aiming for a commercial-scale plant called Arc in the early 2030s. TAE Technologies, founded in 1998 and supported
energyfusion-powernuclear-fusionsuperconducting-magnetsfusion-startupsclean-energypower-generationChina’s nuclear neutron gun fires atomic light to hunt hidden bombs
Chinese researchers at the Xi’an Modern Control Technology Research Institute have developed a compact nuclear neutron gun capable of controlled fusion between hydrogen and lithium inside a device roughly the size of a fire extinguisher. Powered by only 10 watts of direct current, the system uses a mechanical hammer to strike piezoelectric ceramics, generating high-voltage pulses that create an electromagnetic field accelerating hydrogen protons into a lithium cathode to trigger fusion reactions. This novel approach employs common materials rather than rare isotopes and a “polarised resonance” technique that boosts fusion probability by a factor of one million. The device produces a highly concentrated, directional neutron beam with an intensity of 10 billion neutrons per second and energies comparable to those in atomic detonations, marking a significant miniaturization of neutron sources. The neutron beam’s penetrating power has established applications in medicine, cargo inspection, and nuclear material detection, but also raises potential military implications given its similarity to neutron radiation weapons, which can incapacitate personnel while sparing infrastructure
energynuclear-fusionneutron-beampiezoelectric-ceramicsportable-reactoratomic-detectionfusion-technologyUS researchers solve tokamak plasma mystery with elusive ‘voids’ discovery
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new theoretical model that may explain a longstanding discrepancy in nuclear fusion research related to plasma behavior at the edge of tokamak reactors. The study, led by physicists Mingyun Cao and Patrick Diamond, focuses on the plasma boundary—a critical region for sustaining fusion reactions and protecting reactor components from extreme heat. Previous simulations underestimated the width of the turbulent layer at the plasma edge, a problem known as the “shortfall problem,” which has hindered accurate predictive modeling of plasma dynamics. The breakthrough centers on previously overlooked structures called “voids,” which are inward-moving, density-depleted formations at the plasma edge. While past research emphasized outward-moving, density-enhanced “blobs,” the role of voids remained unclear. Cao and Diamond’s model treats voids as coherent, particle-like entities that, as they move from the cooler plasma edge toward the hotter core, generate plasma drift waves by interacting with steep temperature and density gradients. These waves transfer
energynuclear-fusiontokamakplasma-physicsfusion-reactorturbulence-modelingplasma-boundaryGerman firm advances plan to build world's first nuclear fusion plant
Proxima Fusion, a Munich-based start-up spun out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in 2023, has secured €130 million ($150 million) in its Series A funding round, bringing total funding to over €185 million ($213 million). The company aims to build the world’s first commercial nuclear fusion power plant using a stellarator design, leveraging a simulation-driven engineering approach and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology. Key near-term milestones include completing the Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) by 2027 to demonstrate HTS application and selecting a site for its demonstration stellarator, “Alpha,” which is planned to begin operations by 2031. Alpha is intended to achieve net energy gain (Q>1), a critical step toward a functional fusion power plant. Proxima Fusion’s technical strategy centers on the “Stellaris” concept, the first peer-reviewed stellarator design integrating physics, engineering, and maintenance from inception. This quasi-isodynamic stellarator
energynuclear-fusionfusion-power-plantstellaratorhigh-temperature-superconductorsclean-energyenergy-innovationUK logs record $3.4B for world's first prototype nuclear fusion plant
The UK government has committed a record £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) to develop the world’s first prototype nuclear fusion power plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). This ambitious project will be constructed on the site of the former West Burton A coal power station in Nottinghamshire, marking a significant transition from fossil fuels to clean, futuristic energy technology. STEP aims to replicate the sun’s fusion process by heating hydrogen isotopes to 150 million degrees Celsius and confining them with powerful magnetic fields to generate carbon-free electricity. The initiative is central to the UK’s strategy to become a “clean energy superpower” and is expected to create over 10,000 jobs in the region, spanning construction through to operations. This investment reflects a broader global trend of substantial funding in nuclear fusion technology from governments and corporations alike. For example, Google has recently invested in TAE Technologies, which announced a breakthrough in fusion reactor readiness, while US scientists secured $2.3
energynuclear-fusionclean-energyfusion-power-plantUK-energy-investmentrenewable-energyenergy-technologyProxima Fusion joins the club of well-funded nuclear contenders with €130M Series A
Proxima Fusion, a German nuclear fusion startup, has raised €130 million (about $148 million) in a Series A funding round led by Balderton Capital and Cherry Ventures. This brings its total funding to over €185 million ($200 million), positioning Proxima as a leading European contender in the race to develop commercial fusion energy. The company focuses on stellarator reactors, which use twisted magnetic fields to confine plasma more stably than the more common tokamak designs. Proxima’s Stellaris design, developed near Germany’s Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, represents a significant technical milestone that helped secure the oversubscribed funding round. CEO Francesco Sciortino emphasized that the new capital will enable Proxima to reach critical milestones, including a key hardware demonstration planned for 2027, with the goal of advancing toward commercial viability by around 2031. The funding round attracted primarily European investors, reflecting a broader ambition for Europe to play a leadership role in the global energy transition by developing clean, stable, and uranium-free fusion power. Proxima operates across multiple European countries, with headquarters in Munich and research teams in Switzerland and the UK, underscoring its pan-European identity and commitment to building a sustainable energy future on the continent.
energynuclear-fusionclean-energyfusion-startupsventure-capitalenergy-securityfusion-reactorsUK firm achieves first commercial tritium breakthrough for fusion fuel
Astral Systems, a UK-based private fusion company, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first firm to successfully breed tritium—a crucial fuel for nuclear fusion—using its own operational fusion reactor. This breakthrough occurred during a 55-hour Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) fusion irradiation campaign in March, in collaboration with the University of Bristol. The teams produced and detected tritium in real-time from an experimental lithium breeder blanket within Astral’s multi-state fusion reactors, addressing a major challenge in sustainable fusion energy development: generating more fuel than consumed. Astral Systems’ reactor employs its proprietary Multi-State Fusion (MSF) technology, which integrates recent advances in stellar physics and a novel lattice confinement fusion (LCF) approach, originally discovered by NASA in 2020. This design achieves solid-state fuel densities vastly exceeding those in plasma and enables two simultaneous fusion reactions within a compact reactor core. The electron-screened environment reduces the energy needed to overcome particle repulsion, lowering fusion temperatures and improving efficiency. This innovation not only advances tritium breeding but also opens possibilities for applications such as medical isotope production, nuclear waste transmutation, and hybrid fusion-fission systems. The University of Bristol team, supported by UK research bodies, is now focused on optimizing the system to enhance tritium output, signaling a promising path toward scalable fusion fuel production.
energynuclear-fusiontritium-breedingfusion-fuelfusion-reactorsustainable-energyfusion-technologyGoogle bets big on TAE’s cost-effective nuclear fusion reactor
energynuclear-fusionclean-powerTAE-TechnologiesGoogleAIplasma-technologyNew tech reveals plasma turbulence secrets for nuclear reactors
energynuclear-fusionplasma-turbulencecomplex-systemsquantum-mechanicsfusion-reactorsmulti-field-analysisUS nuclear fusion gets a 3D printing boost to fast-track construction
energynuclear-fusion3D-printingconstructionplasma-physicsmagnet-systemsNSTX-UUK fusion device gets heating components to withstand extreme temperature
fusionenergyplasma-heatingtokamakmaterialselectromagnetic-wavesnuclear-fusionFirst-ever liquid carbon created with lasers to boost fusion research
materialsnuclear-fusionliquid-carbonhigh-performance-laserscooling-agentsneutron-moderationextreme-conditionsUS’ laser-powered nuclear fusion achieves new net-positive energy records: Report
energynuclear-fusionlaser-technologypower-generationinertial-confinementenergy-yieldcontrolled-fusion