Created

Jan 3, 2025 9:00 PM

Topics

fusion

Author

vasa

As the world grapples with the urgent need for clean, sustainable energy solutions, nuclear fusion has emerged as one of the most promising frontiers in energy technology. More than 50 companies worldwide are now racing to commercialize fusion power, each with unique approaches and technological innovations.

This comprehensive analysis examines 50+ companies in the fusion energy landscape. Each company brings its own innovative solutions to the fundamental challenges of fusion: achieving sufficient plasma temperature, maintaining stable confinement, and developing practical methods for energy extraction.

The surge in private investment in fusion technology - now exceeding $7 billion globally - reflects growing confidence in the commercial viability of fusion energy. These companies are not just pursuing scientific breakthroughs; they're racing to bring practical fusion power to the grid within this decade.

Let's dive deep into each of these 50+ companies that are making significant strides in this field, examining their unique approaches, recent achievements, and future plans.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Overview

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is a one of the leading fusion energy companies. Founded in 2018 as a spin-out from MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, CFS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with plans for a new campus in Devens, Massachusetts.

The company was co-founded by Bob Mumgaard (CEO), Brandon Sorbom (Chief Scientific Officer), Dan Brunner, Dennis Whyte, Martin Greenwald, and Zach Hartwig. As of late 2024, CFS had grown to approximately 1000 employees.

CFS has raised substantial funding to pursue its ambitious goals. In November 2021, the company secured $1.8 billion in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to over $2 billion. This makes CFS the most well-funded fusion energy company to date.

The company's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing grid-scale fusion power plants. CFS aims to provide clean, limitless fusion energy to combat climate change and meet global decarbonization goals.

Key collaborators and partners include MIT, with whom CFS continues to work closely, and Eni, an Italian multinational energy company that has been a significant investor and collaborator.

Recent innovations include the development of the VIPER high-temperature superconducting cable in 2020 and the demonstration of a powerful 20 Tesla high-temperature superconducting magnet in 2021. These advancements are crucial for CFS's compact tokamak design, SPARC.

In terms of recent publications, CFS and MIT researchers published a series of peer-reviewed papers in the Journal of Plasma Physics in 2020, verifying that SPARC will achieve net energy from fusion.

CFS's latest major announcement came in 2024 when they unveiled plans to build the world's first grid-scale commercial nuclear fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia. This plant is expected to produce about 400 MWe, marking a significant step towards commercializing fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

What sets CFS’s approach to fusion apart from others is their high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. Let's explore how their fusion approach works:

Magnetic Confinement Fusion

CFS utilizes magnetic confinement fusion, specifically employing a tokamak design. In this approach, powerful electromagnets create a magnetic field to confine and control a super-hot plasma within a donut-shaped chamber.

Here's how it works:

1. The fusion fuel is heated to extreme temperatures (about 100 million degrees Celsius) to form a plasma.
2. The magnetic field keeps this plasma contained and away from the reactor walls.
3. Under these conditions, the atomic nuclei in the plasma can overcome their natural repulsion and fuse, releasing enormous amounts of energy.

Revolutionary Magnet Technology

The key innovation in CFS's approach is their use of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. These magnets can produce much stronger magnetic fields than conventional superconductors, allowing for:

• Smaller reactor size
• Improved plasma confinement
• Potentially lower costs and faster development

Fusion Fuel

CFS plans to use a combination of two hydrogen isotopes as fuel:

1. Deuterium: A naturally occurring, stable isotope of hydrogen
2. Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen

This deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mix is chosen because it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion, making it the most practical choice for early fusion reactors.

Energy Capture Approach

CFS's planned energy capture system for their ARC reactor involves several steps:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which escape the plasma.
2. Blanket system: A "blanket" of molten salt surrounds the reactor chamber. This blanket serves two crucial functions:
• It captures the energy from the neutrons, heating up in the process.
• It contains lithium, which reacts with the neutrons to produce more tritium fuel.
3. Heat transfer: The heat from the molten salt blanket is transferred to water.
4. Steam turbine: The heated water produces steam, which drives a conventional steam turbine to generate electricity.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture and helps solve the challenge of tritium fuel production, creating a more sustainable fusion cycle.

By combining these innovative technologies and well-understood principles, CFS aims to create a compact, efficient fusion reactor that could revolutionize clean energy production in the coming decades.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has made significant strides in 2024, marking several important milestones in their quest to bring commercial fusion energy to reality. Here's a summary of their achievements and future plans:

Milestones in 2024

1. Team Growth: CFS expanded its workforce to 1000 employees, making it one of the largest fusion organizations globally.
2. Manufacturing Progress:
• Doubled the production rate for toroidal field (TF) and poloidal field (PF) magnet manufacturing lines.
• Completed manufacturing of the central solenoid model coil (CSMC) for a key upcoming test.
3. SPARC Development:
• Began installation of equipment in Tokamak Hall.
• Continued progress on building the SPARC tokamak to demonstrate net fusion energy.
4. Government Collaboration:
• Signed an agreement worth $15 million in the first phase of the DOE's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
• Won two DOE INFUSE awards to advance fusion energy development.
5. Commercial Plant Site Selection:
• Announced plans to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
• Reached an agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia for site leasing and technical collaboration.

Future Plans

1. Anticipated Power Output:
• The first commercial operating facility, named ARC, is planned to generate 400 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 150,000 homes.
2. SPARC Demonstration Target:
• CFS aims to achieve first plasma in SPARC by 2026.
• Net fusion energy (Q > 1) demonstration is expected shortly after first plasma.
3. Commercial Operation Target:
• CFS plans to have ARC operational and connected to the grid in the early 2030s.
4. Upcoming Milestones:
• Complete SPARC construction and begin operations.
• Finalize ARC power plant design.
• Secure necessary permits for the Virginia site.
• Begin construction of the ARC facility.

CFS's progress in 2024 and ambitious plans for the future underscore the rapid advancements in fusion energy technology. While the timeline is ambitious, it reflects the growing confidence in the field and the potential for fusion to play a significant role in future clean energy solutions.

Helion

Overview

Helion, founded in 2013, is at the forefront of fusion energy development, aiming to revolutionize clean power generation. The company was established by Dr. David Kirtley (CEO), Chris Pihl (CTO), Dr. George Votroubek (Head of Research), and John Slough (former Chief Science Officer) in Redmond, Washington. As of September 2024, Helion's team has grown to close to 300 employees, primarily consisting of engineers.

The company has secured substantial funding to pursue its ambitious goals. In November 2021, Helion raised $500 million in a Series E round led by Sam Altman, bringing its total funding to over $608 million. This round included the potential for an additional $1.7 billion tied to key performance milestones.

Helion's target markets span various sectors, including:

1. Electricity generation for industrial applications
2. Clean energy solutions for environmentally conscious businesses
3. Power generation for data centers and edge computing
4. Sustainable energy for the transportation sector, including long-haul trucking and aviation

Key collaborators and partners include Microsoft, which signed the world's first fusion energy purchase agreement with Helion in May 2023, and Nucor Corporation, with whom Helion is collaborating to develop a 500 MWe fusion power plant at a Nucor steel manufacturing facility in the United States.

Recent commercial innovations include the development of Helion's seventh prototype, Polaris, which is expected to demonstrate electricity production from fusion. The company has also made significant progress in its fusion technology, becoming the first private fusion company to reach 100-million-degree plasma temperatures with its sixth fusion prototype.

Helion's groundbreaking achievements, such as heating fusion plasma to 100 million degrees Celsius, have been publicly announced and have garnered significant attention in the scientific community.

Fusion Approach

Helion employs a unique fusion approach called magneto-inertial fusion, which combines elements of magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion. Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

Helion's fusion reactor, Polaris is designed to use a pulsed system that operates at 0.1 Hz+ frequency. The process involves several key steps:

1. Plasma Injection: Two plasmas are injected into the reactor chamber.
2. Acceleration and Compression: Magnetic fields accelerate these plasmas towards each other at extremely high speeds (about one million miles per hour).
3. Collision and Fusion: The plasmas collide in the center of the device, creating temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius, triggering fusion reactions.
4. Expansion and Energy Capture: As the plasma expands, it interacts with the surrounding magnetic fields, generating electricity directly.
5. Cycle Repetition: The process repeats, with each cycle lasting about one second.

This approach allows for a compact reactor design, potentially smaller than a semi-trailer, which could significantly reduce costs and complexity compared to traditional fusion designs.

Fuel Used

Helion seventh-generation fusion generator, Polaris is being designed to operate using following fuels: D-D, D-T, D-³He.

While Polaris is designed to support multiple fuel combinations, Helion's primary focus is on the D-³He fuel cycle. This choice sets them apart from most other fusion approaches:

• Deuterium: An isotope of hydrogen that's naturally abundant in water.
• Helium-3: A rare isotope that Helion plans to produce through side reactions in their fusion process.

The D-³He fuel cycle offers several advantages:

• The D-³He fusion produces mostly charged particles (protons) rather than neutrons, reducing radiation concerns and material damage, which simplifies engineering challenges and reduces radioactive waste.
• The charged particles produced can be directly converted to electricity without the need for a thermal cycle, improving efficiency.

1. The aneutronic nature of the reaction makes it inherently safer than other fusion approaches.
2. The D-³He reaction produces slightly more energy (18.3 MeV) compared to D-T fusion (17.6 MeV).

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Helion's energy capture method is particularly innovative:

1. Direct Electricity Generation: Unlike traditional approaches that use heat to drive turbines, Helion's system captures electricity directly from the expanding plasma.
2. Magnetic Energy Recovery: The reactor is designed to capture and reuse the magnetic energy used to heat and confine the plasma, further increasing efficiency.
3. Capacitor Recharging: As the plasma expands, it induces an electric current in the surrounding electromagnetic coils, recharging capacitors that power the system's magnets.

This direct energy capture approach aims to make the system more efficient, compact, and cost-effective compared to conventional steam turbine methods used in other fusion and fission designs.

By combining these innovative technologies, Helion is working towards creating a fusion reactor that could potentially offer a practical and economically viable path to commercial fusion power.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Helion has made significant strides in 2024, pushing the boundaries of fusion energy technology. Here are the key milestones and future plans:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Construction Progress: Helion has successfully continued the construction of its seventh-generation fusion generator, Polaris. The company is on track to complete the build by 2025.
2. Preparation for Operations: As assembly nears completion, Helion is gearing up to start operations of the Polaris reactor as soon as construction is finished.
3. Fusion Energy Purchase Agreement: In a groundbreaking move, Helion announced the world's first fusion energy purchase agreement with Microsoft in May 2023, setting the stage for commercial fusion power.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

The first commercial fusion power plant is expected to generate at least 50 megawatts (MWe) of electricity.

Demo target date

Helion aims to demonstrate the ability to produce electricity from fusion using its Polaris prototype by early 2025.

Commercial target date

Helion has set an ambitious goal to have its first commercial fusion power plant operational by 2028. The company expects to reach full generating capacity of at least 50 MW within a year of coming online.

These milestones and targets showcase Helion's rapid progress in the fusion energy field. The company's innovative pulsed non-ignition fusion technology and its ability to attract significant investment, including from tech leaders like Sam Altman, position it as a frontrunner in the race to commercialize fusion energy. If successful, Helion's achievements could mark a transformative moment in the global energy landscape, offering a new source of clean, abundant power.

TAE Technologies

Overview

TAE Technologies, founded in 1998, is a pioneering company in the field of fusion energy development. The company was co-founded by physicist Norman Rostoker as a spin-out from his work at the University of California, Irvine. Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, TAE has grown significantly since its inception.

As of 2024, TAE Technologies employs over 600 people from more than 40 countries, showcasing its diverse and international workforce. The company has successfully raised substantial funding, with over $1.2 billion in private capital to date. This includes investments from notable sources such as Goldman Sachs, Paul Allen's Vulcan Inc., Rockefeller's Venrock, and Richard Kramlich's New Enterprise Associates.

TAE's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power using a hydrogen-boron fuel cycle (note that TAE configuration can also accommodate other fusion fuel cycles such as D-T, D-³He and D-D). This approach aims to provide clean, abundant, and sustainable energy for the grid. Additionally, the company has expanded into adjacent markets through its subsidiaries.

Key collaborators and partners include Google, with whom TAE has been working since 2014 to apply machine learning and data science to accelerate fusion research. The company also collaborates with Japan's National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) on hydrogen-boron fusion experiments.

TAE has recently spun out two subsidiaries:

1. TAE Power Solutions: Commercializing power management innovations for e-mobility and energy storage systems.
2. TAE Life Sciences: Developing targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment based on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).

In terms of innovations, TAE has developed five generations of fusion platforms, with a sixth currently in development. The company holds over 1,800 patents filed globally, with more than 1,100 granted.

Recent published work includes a collaboration with NIFS, announced in February 2023, on the first-ever hydrogen-boron fusion experiments in a magnetically confined fusion plasma. This research represents a significant milestone in TAE's mission to develop commercial fusion power using hydrogen-boron fuel.

Fusion Approach

TAE Technologies employs a unique fusion approach called the advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC). This innovative method combines elements from accelerator physics and plasma physics to achieve fusion.

Fusion Approach

The TAE fusion reactor operates as follows:

1. Plasma Formation: Two plasma rings are created within a cylindrical vacuum chamber.
2. Collision: These plasma rings are accelerated to high speeds and collide at the center of the chamber, forming a field-reversed configuration (FRC).
3. Confinement: Strong magnetic fields contain and stabilize the FRC plasma.
4. Heating: Neutral beam injectors fire high-energy particles tangentially into the plasma, heating it and improving its stability.
5. Fusion: As the plasma reaches extreme temperatures, fusion reactions occur within the FRC.

This approach allows for a compact reactor design that can potentially achieve higher energy efficiency compared to traditional fusion concepts.

Fuel Used

TAE Technologies aims to use a hydrogen-boron (p-11B) fuel cycle, also known as proton-boron fusion. This choice sets TAE apart from most other fusion efforts for several reasons:

1. Aneutronic: The p-11B reaction produces minimal neutrons, reducing radiation concerns and simplifying reactor design.
2. Abundant: Boron is a readily available element, ensuring a sustainable fuel supply.
3. Clean: The primary fusion products are charged particles (helium nuclei), which can be directly converted to electricity.

While p-11B fusion requires higher temperatures than other fuel cycles (around 3 billion degrees Celsius), TAE believes the benefits outweigh this challenge.

Note that TAE configuration can also accommodate other fusion fuel cycles such as D-T, D-³He and D-D.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

TAE's energy capture method leverages the unique properties of their fusion approach:

1. Direct Energy Conversion: The charged particle products from p-11B fusion can be directly converted into electricity without the need for thermal conversion.
2. Magnetic Expansion: As the plasma expands after fusion reactions, it interacts with the surrounding magnetic fields, inducing electric currents.
3. Traditional Heat Capture: Any residual heat can be captured through conventional methods, using the reactor walls to heat a working fluid that drives turbines.

This multi-faceted approach to energy capture aims to maximize efficiency and simplify the overall power plant design.

By combining these innovative technologies, TAE Technologies is working towards creating a fusion reactor that could offer a practical, clean, and economically viable path to commercial fusion power, with the goal of demonstrating net energy gain by the end of the decade.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

TAE Technologies has made significant progress in 2024, achieving several important milestones:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Funding Success: TAE secured $250 million in a Series G-2 financing round, bringing their total funding to $1.2 billion. This round included investments from major companies like Chevron, Google, and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas.
2. Expansion of Partnerships: TAE signed a memorandum with Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV) to explore using TAE's fusion technology for emissions-free power and heat in Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities.
3. Legislative Recognition: TAE applauded the enactment of fusion-friendly legislation in North Carolina (Senate Bill 678) and California (Assembly Bill 1172), which recognize fusion technology's safety and environmental benefits.
4. Research Advancement: In collaboration with Japan's National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), TAE conducted the first-ever hydrogen-boron fusion experiments in a magnetically confined fusion plasma.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

While the exact capacity has not been specified, FIA puts the estimates the capacity to be between 350-500 MWe.

Demo target date

TAE is developing its sixth-generation fusion device Copernicus, that aims to harvest more power out than it takes to run the machine by mid 2020s.

Commercial target date

TAE Technologies aims to begin commercialization of fusion by the end of this decade, which suggests a target date around 2030 for their first commercial fusion reactor. They plan to do this with their Da Vinci fusion device (successor to the Copernicus fusion device).

You can find the timeline of all prior and anticipated fusion devices here.

TAE continues to make strides in both its fusion technology development and adjacent markets, positioning itself as a leader in the race to commercialize fusion energy.

General Fusion

Overview

General Fusion, founded in 2002 by physicist Dr. Michel Laberge, is a pioneering company in the field of fusion energy development. Headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, with additional locations in London, UK, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA, the company has grown significantly since its inception.

As of 2024, General Fusion employs over 140 people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The company has successfully raised substantial funding, with about $325 million in private capital to date. Notable investors include Jeff Bezos, the Amazon CEO, who participated in a $19.5 million funding round in 2011.

General Fusion's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power using Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology. The company aims to provide clean, safe, and economic fusion energy to utilities and heavy industries by the end of the decade.

Key collaborators and partners include the UK Atomic Energy Authority, with whom General Fusion is working to build its Fusion Demonstration Plant. The company also has a global network of government, institutional, and industrial partners.

In terms of recent innovations, General Fusion has completed over 200,000 plasma shots and filed 150 patents or patent applications. Their plasma injector (PI3) has achieved confinement times of 10 ms and temperatures of 250 eV (almost 3 million degrees Celsius) without active magnetic stabilization.

In 2023, General Fusion announced the development of a new machine called "LM26," with the goal of achieving breakeven by 2026. This represents a significant step towards their aim of demonstrating and commercializing fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

General Fusion employs a unique approach to fusion energy called Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF). This innovative method combines elements of magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion. Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Plasma Formation: A plasma injector creates a magnetized plasma ring (compact toroid) of fusion fuel.
2. Injection: This plasma is injected into a spherical chamber filled with liquid metal, which forms a vortex with a vertical cavity at the center.
3. Compression: Hundreds of pneumatically driven pistons surrounding the sphere strike it simultaneously, creating a powerful shockwave that compresses the plasma.
4. Fusion: As the liquid metal wall collapses, it compresses and heats the plasma to fusion conditions (over 100 million degrees Celsius) for a brief moment, triggering fusion reactions.
5. Repetition: This process is repeated in pulses, with each fusion event lasting just microseconds.

This approach allows for a more practical and potentially cost-effective fusion reactor design, as it doesn't require sustained plasma confinement or extremely powerful magnets.

Fuel Used

General Fusion uses a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring, stable isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that will be bred within the reactor using lithium in the liquid metal wall.

This fuel combination is chosen because it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion, making it the most practical for early fusion reactors.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

General Fusion's energy capture method leverages the unique properties of their fusion approach:

1. Heat Absorption: The liquid metal wall absorbs the heat and neutrons produced by the fusion reactions.
2. Heat Extraction: The heated liquid metal is circulated through a heat exchanger.
3. Steam Generation: The extracted heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity Production: The steam drives conventional turbines to generate electricity.
5. Tritium Breeding: Neutrons from the fusion reaction interact with lithium in the liquid metal wall to produce tritium, which is extracted and used as fuel.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture and helps solve the challenge of tritium fuel production, creating a more sustainable fusion cycle. By pulsing the fusion reactions, General Fusion aims to simplify the engineering challenges associated with continuous high-temperature plasma confinement.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

General Fusion has made significant progress in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future. Here are the key milestones and targets:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Successful plasma compression experiments: General Fusion published peer-reviewed scientific results confirming significant fusion neutron yield and plasma stability during their Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) compression experiments.
2. Progress on Lawson Machine 26 (LM26): The company continued development of LM26, their new fusion demonstration machine, which is designed to be cost-efficient and produce results quickly.
3. Funding secured: General Fusion received nearly $15 million in new funding for the development of LM26.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

While the exact capacity has not been specified, FAI estimates a capacity of approximately 300MWe from two machines operating in tandem. General Fusion aims to compete with coal power plants, targeting a cost of $50 to $65 per megawatt-hour. This suggests a commercial-scale facility, likely in the range of several hundred megawatts.

Demo target date

General Fusion has set ambitious targets for their LM26 demonstration machine:

1. Achieve fusion conditions of over 100 million degrees Celsius by 2025.
2. Reach scientific breakeven equivalent (100% Lawson criterion) by 2026.

Commercial target date

General Fusion aims to have commercial fusion energy on the grid by the early to mid-2030s. Specifically, they are targeting "power on the grid by the mid-2030s".

These milestones and targets demonstrate General Fusion's commitment to rapidly advancing their MTF technology towards commercial viability. The company is focusing on achieving key scientific milestones with LM26 in the near term, while simultaneously working towards their goal of providing fusion energy to the grid within the next decade.

Tokamak Energy

Overview

Tokamak Energy, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, is a pioneering fusion power company based near Oxford in the United Kingdom. The company was established by Dr. David Kingham and Dr. Mikhail Gryaznevich, with the goal of developing commercial fusion energy.

As of 2024, Tokamak Energy employs over 260 people, bringing together world-class scientific, engineering, and commercial expertise. The company has successfully raised substantial funding, with about $300 million secured to date.

Tokamak Energy's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power using spherical tokamaks combined with high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. The company aims to deploy commercial fusion energy globally in the 2030s.

Key collaborators and partners include the UK Atomic Energy Authority, with whom Tokamak Energy has a five-year framework agreement to collaborate on developing spherical tokamaks for power generation. The company also has partnerships with General Atomics for HTS technology development and Sumitomo Corporation for scaling up commercial fusion energy globally.

In terms of recent innovations, Tokamak Energy has developed a world-first set of new generation HTS magnets to be assembled and tested in fusion power plant-relevant scenarios. The company holds 75 families of patent applications and has filed a total of 664 patents globally, with more than 70% of these patents being active.

A significant recent achievement was reaching a plasma ion temperature in excess of 100 million degrees Celsius in their ST40 spherical tokamak, considered the threshold for commercial fusion. This milestone was documented in a peer-reviewed scientific paper published by the Institute of Physics.

Fusion Approach

Tokamak Energy employs a fusion approach based on the tokamak design, specifically using a compact spherical tokamak combined with high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets.

Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Plasma Creation: Deuterium and tritium fuel is heated to extremely high temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius) to form a plasma.
2. Magnetic Confinement: Powerful HTS magnets create a strong magnetic field to confine and control the super-hot plasma within the tokamak's vacuum chamber.
3. Fusion Reactions: Under these extreme conditions, the deuterium and tritium nuclei overcome their natural repulsion and fuse, releasing energy in the process.
4. Sustained Reaction: The goal is to achieve a self-sustaining fusion reaction, where the energy produced by fusion helps maintain the plasma temperature.

Tokamak Energy's use of a compact spherical tokamak design, combined with advanced HTS magnets, allows for a more efficient and potentially more cost-effective approach to fusion.

Fuel Used

Tokamak Energy uses a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring, stable isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that will be produced within the reactor using lithium.

This fuel combination is chosen because it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion, making it the most practical for early fusion reactors.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Tokamak Energy plans to capture fusion energy through the following method:

1. Neutron Absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which carry about 80% of the fusion energy.
2. Breeding Blanket: A "breeding blanket" containing lithium surrounds the plasma chamber. This blanket serves two purposes:
• It absorbs the neutrons, converting their kinetic energy into heat.
• It produces tritium fuel through reactions with the neutrons.
3. Heat Extraction: The heat generated in the blanket is collected by a coolant system.
4. Electricity Generation: The captured heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity through conventional methods.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture while also addressing the need for tritium fuel production, creating a more sustainable fusion cycle.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Tokamak Energy has made significant progress in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future. Here are the key milestones and targets:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Funding success: Tokamak Energy raised $125 million to accelerate plans to commercialize fusion energy and grow its high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology solution, TE Magnetics.
2. ST40 upgrade partnership: The company partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and the UK's Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for a $52 million upgrade to the ST40 experimental fusion facility.
3. Fusion pilot plant design: Tokamak Energy unveiled initial designs for a high-field spherical tokamak pilot plant capable of generating 800 MW of fusion power and 85 MW of net electricity.
4. Demo4 facility progress: The company completed the manufacturing of 44 individual magnetic coils using 38 kilometers of innovative HTS tape for its Demo4 facility, with full assembly expected to be completed this year.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Tokamak Energy is targeting 500 MWe for its first commercial fusion power plants.

Demo target date

The company aims to demonstrate the capability of delivering electricity into the grid with its ST-E1 fusion pilot plant in the early 2030s.

Commercial target date

Tokamak Energy plans to have its first commercial 500 MW reactor operational in the second half of the 2030s. The company's chairman, Chris Martin, states that with the right investment, delivery of a commercial demonstration is feasible in the mid-second half of the 2030s.

These milestones and targets demonstrate Tokamak Energy's commitment to rapidly advancing fusion technology towards commercial viability, with the goal of providing clean, limitless fusion energy to address global energy needs and climate challenges.

Zap Energy

Overview

Zap Energy, founded in 2017, is a pioneering fusion energy company spun off from research conducted at the University of Washington. The company was co-founded by Benj Conway (President and CEO), Brian A. Nelson (Chief Technology Officer), and Uri Shumlak (Chief Science Officer).

Headquartered near Seattle, Washington, Zap Energy has research facilities in Everett and Mukilteo. As of 2024, the company employs 150 people across its Seattle and San Diego locations.

Zap Energy has secured substantial funding, raising about $330 million to date. This includes a recent Series D round of $130 million in October 2024, led by Soros Fund Management LLC and other prominent investors.

The company's primary target market is the energy sector, aiming to develop commercial fusion power plants to provide clean, limitless energy. Zap Energy's unique approach uses a sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology, which allows for a more compact and potentially cost-effective fusion reactor design.

Key collaborators and partners include the University of Washington, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the U.S. Department of Energy through its Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.

Recent innovations include the launch of Century, a new fusion platform in Everett, Washington. This platform integrates multiple power plant-relevant technologies, including one of the largest tests of a plasma-facing liquid metal blanket to date.

In April 2024, Zap Energy published a research paper demonstrating that their FuZE device achieved plasma electron temperatures of 1-3 keV (11 to 37 million degrees Celsius), marking it as the simplest, smallest, and lowest-cost device to reach such temperatures.

Fusion Approach

Zap Energy employs a unique fusion approach called sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch.

Here's how it works:

Fusion Approach

1. Plasma Creation: Deuterium and tritium fuel is ionized to form a plasma.
2. Z-Pinch Effect: A powerful electric current is passed through the plasma column, creating a magnetic field that compresses and heats the plasma.
3. Sheared-Flow Stabilization: The plasma is made to flow at different speeds in different layers, creating a shear effect that stabilizes the plasma and prevents instabilities.
4. Fusion Reactions: Under extreme compression and heat, fusion reactions occur within the plasma.

You can find an in-depth walk-through on Zap Energy’s website here.

This approach allows for a compact, efficient fusion reactor design without the need for external magnets or lasers, potentially reducing costs and complexity.

Fuel Used

Zap Energy uses a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen extracted from water.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that can be bred within the reactor.

For testing purposes, Zap Energy uses surrogate materials like hydrogen gas instead of deuterium and tritium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Zap Energy's energy capture method involves:

1. Neutron Absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured by a liquid metal blanket surrounding the reaction chamber.
2. Heat Extraction: The liquid metal, heated by the neutrons, circulates through a heat exchanger.
3. Steam Generation: The extracted heat produces steam.
4. Electricity Production: Steam drives turbines to generate electricity.

Zap Energy is currently testing this approach with their Century platform, which uses liquid bismuth as a surrogate for the more reactive liquid lithium that would be used in a commercial reactor.

This pulsed, compact design aims to provide a more practical and potentially cost-effective path to commercial fusion energy.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Zap Energy has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Launch of Century: Zap Energy began operations of Century, their new high-rep-rate fusion technology test platform.
2. Successful test runs: Century demonstrated over 1,000 consecutive plasma shots in less than three hours during early operations.
3. Funding success: Secured $130 million in Series D funding, bringing total funding to about $330 million.
4. Plasma temperature achievement: Reached plasma electron temperatures of 1-3 keV (11 to 37 million degrees Celsius) in their FuZE device.
5. DOE program selection: Chosen for the U.S. Department of Energy's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Zap Energy plans for their first commercial fusion power modules to produce 50 MWe each.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date isn't mentioned, Zap Energy aims to achieve a milestone run for the DOE's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program by the end of 2024.

Commercial target date

No specific commercial target date has been announced by Zap Energy. However, the company is working towards developing commercially viable fusion power on an accelerated timeline.

Zap Energy's progress with Century and their continued funding success demonstrate their commitment to advancing fusion technology towards commercial viability. The company is focusing on both plasma research and development and engineering demonstrations to address the challenges of creating a practical fusion power plant.

First Light Fusion

Overview

First Light Fusion, founded in 2011, is a pioneering fusion energy company spun out from the University of Oxford. The company was co-founded by Dr. Nicholas Hawker and Professor Yiannis Ventikos, based on Hawker's PhD research into hydrodynamic simulations of shock-driven cavity collapse.

Headquartered in Oxfordshire, England, First Light Fusion has grown significantly since its inception. As of 2024, the company employs about 100 people, bringing together a team of scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to advancing fusion technology.

First Light Fusion has secured substantial funding, raising about $100 million to date. The company's unique approach has attracted interest from various investors, including Oxford Science Enterprises and IP Group plc.

The primary target market for First Light Fusion is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power plants to provide clean, limitless energy. The company aims to build a pilot plant producing ~150 MW of electricity and costing less than $1 billion in the 2030s.

Key collaborators and partners include the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which has independently validated First Light's fusion results, and UBS Investment Bank, which is exploring strategic options for the company's next phase of development.

Recent innovations include the achievement of fusion using their unique projectile-based approach, validated by the UKAEA in 2024. This breakthrough was achieved faster and at a lower cost than traditional fusion approaches, demonstrating the potential of First Light's technology.

In terms of recent publications, First Light Fusion has focused on peer-reviewed analysis showcasing the commercial viability of their approach, with projections of a Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) under $50/MWh, potentially making it competitive with renewable energy sources.

First Light Fusion's projectile fusion technology and focus on simplicity in design offer a unique pathway to commercial fusion energy, with the potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape.

Fusion Approach

First Light Fusion employs a unique approach to fusion called projectile fusion, which is a form of inertial confinement fusion. Here's how it works:

Fusion Approach

1. Projectile Launch: A large two-stage hyper-velocity gas gun launches a projectile at extremely high speeds (6.5 km/s or 14,500 mph).
2. Target Impact: The projectile strikes a specially designed target containing fusion fuel.
3. Energy Amplification: The target's design focuses and amplifies the impact energy, creating a powerful shockwave.
4. Fuel Compression: This shockwave compresses the fuel capsule within the target, causing it to implode at over 70 km/s.
5. Fusion Conditions: The extreme compression creates the temperatures and densities necessary for fusion to occur.

This approach is simpler and potentially more cost-effective than traditional laser or magnetic confinement methods, as it doesn't require complex laser or magnet systems.

Fuel Used

First Light Fusion primarily uses the following fuel combinations:

1. Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D): This is the fuel currently used in their experimental setup. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water, making it an abundant and easily accessible fuel source.
2. Deuterium-Tritium (D-T): While not currently used, this is the planned fuel for their future commercial power plant designs.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

First Light's energy capture method involves:

1. Liquid Lithium Wall: The fusion reaction chamber is lined with flowing liquid lithium.
2. Energy Absorption: The lithium absorbs the energy released by the fusion reactions, including neutrons.
3. Heat Transfer: A heat exchanger transfers the heat from the lithium to water.
4. Steam Generation: The heated water produces steam.
5. Electricity Production: The steam drives a turbine to generate electricity.

This approach offers several advantages:

• The liquid lithium protects the chamber from extreme heat and neutron damage.
• It simplifies tritium breeding, as the lithium can produce tritium when struck by neutrons.
• It allows for efficient heat capture and transfer.

First Light Fusion aims to repeat this process every 30 seconds in a commercial power plant, with each target potentially releasing enough energy to power an average UK home for over two years.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

First Light Fusion has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Increased projectile "stand-off" distance: First Light successfully increased the distance from which the projectile is fired from 10mm to 10cm using an "electric gun" design. This is a crucial step towards their power plant design.
2. Agreement with UKAEA: Signed an agreement to construct a new facility at UKAEA's Culham Campus to house their next-generation Machine 4 demonstrator.
3. Sandia National Laboratories experiment: Conducted an experiment on the 'Z Machine', setting a new pressure record for quartz.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

First Light Fusion aims for their first commercial fusion power plant to produce approximately 150 MW of electricity.

Demo target date

The company plans to complete construction of Machine 4, their gain demonstrator, by 2026 and begin operations in 2027.

Commercial target date

First Light Fusion is targeting commercial fusion power by 2030, with plans to deliver a pilot commercial fusion power plant in the 2030s.

First Light Fusion's progress in projectile fusion technology and their collaboration with established institutions like UKAEA demonstrate their commitment to advancing fusion energy. Their unique approach, focusing on simplicity and leveraging existing engineering, positions them as a potential leader in the race to commercialize fusion power.

Avalanche Energy

Overview

Avalanche Energy, founded in October 2018 by Robin Langtry and Brian Riordan, is a pioneering fusion energy startup based in Tukwila, Washington. The company is at the forefront of developing micro-fusion reactors for distributed energy and mobility applications.

As of 2024, Avalanche Energy employs about 50 people, bringing together a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to advancing fusion technology. The company has secured substantial funding, raising over $45 million to date. This includes a $40 million Series A round in October 2023 led by Lowercarbon Capital, with participation from Toyota Ventures, Founders Fund, and other prominent investors.

Avalanche Energy's primary target markets span various sectors, including:

1. Distributed energy generation
2. Space propulsion and power
3. Maritime propulsion
4. Aviation
5. Off-grid energy solutions

Key collaborators and partners include the U.S. Department of Defense, with whom Avalanche Energy has secured contracts through the Defense Innovation Unit for next-generation propulsion and power generation for spacecraft. The company also collaborates with various research institutions and industry partners to advance its fusion technology.

Recent innovations include the development of their proprietary Orbitron fusion reactor, which achieved a record 200 kilovolts in electrostatic fusion. This milestone, reached in April 2023, represents the highest known operating voltage of any fusion device since 2006.

Fusion Approach

Avalanche Energy Designs employs a unique fusion approach called the Orbitron, which is a form of electrostatic confinement fusion. Here's how it works:

Fusion Approach

1. Ion Confinement: The Orbitron uses specialized electrostatic ion traps operated at hundreds of kilovolts to confine fusion fuel ions.
2. Orbital Paths: These ions are confined in precessing elliptical orbits at extremely high velocities within the device.
3. Fusion Opportunities: As ions orbit, they have millions of chances to fuse when crossing the path of another ion's orbit.
4. Electron Co-confinement: High-energy electrons orbiting in the same direction are co-confined, increasing the density of ions.
5. Continuous Operation: Ions that don't fuse eventually deorbit and are removed from the device, allowing for continuous operation.

This approach allows for a compact, efficient fusion reactor design that can potentially fit in a backpack, making it suitable for various applications from distributed energy generation to space propulsion.

Fuel Used

Avalanche Energy's Orbitron fusion reactor is designed to use multiple fuel cycles, including:

1. Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D): This fuel cycle is used in their current experimental setups and early prototypes.
2. Deuterium-Tritium (D-T): Avalanche Energy plans to use this fuel cycle for higher energy output in future iterations.
3. Proton-Boron-11 (p-B11): Avalanche Energy mentions that their reactor design is capable of using this aneutronic fuel, which practically eliminates internal neutron radiation thus lower shielding requirements.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Avalanche Energy's energy capture method involves:

1. Direct Energy Conversion: While not explicitly stated, the charged particles produced by fusion reactions could be directly converted into electricity using electrostatic fields.
2. Thermal Energy Capture: While not explicitly stated, any residual heat could be captured through a heat exchanger system.
3. Modular Design: Multiple Orbitron reactors can be combined to increase power output for larger applications.
4. Flexible Applications: The compact design allows for integration into various systems, from powering individual vehicles to providing energy for microgrids or space propulsion.

This approach aims to provide a more efficient and versatile energy solution compared to traditional thermal conversion methods used in other fusion designs.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Avalanche Energy has made significant progress in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future. Here are the key milestones and targets:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Successful operation of second prototype reactor: Avalanche Energy achieved a record 200 kilovolts in its micro-fusion reactor, making it the highest known operating voltage of any fusion device since 2006.
2. Funding success: The company secured $40 million in a Series A funding round led by Lowercarbon Capital, with participation from Toyota Ventures, Founders Fund, and other investors.
3. Team expansion: Avalanche Energy grew to a team of 25 scientists and engineers and doubled the size of its testing facility in Seattle, WA.
4. Prototype contract award: In May 2022, the Defense Innovation Unit awarded a prototype contract to Avalanche Energy to demonstrate the next generation of nuclear propulsion and power generation for spacecraft.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

The Orbitron can be packaged as a single cell from 5kW to 100s of kW capacity, grouped together however needed to get to megawatt-scale clean energy solutions.

Demo target date

No specific demo target date has been announced. However, FIA states Q4/2025 delivery of first prototype to DIU/DoD for qualification testing and Orbital demonstration in 2028.

Commercial target date

Avalanche Energy aims to have achieved Q>1 (energy breakeven) and be monetizing early power generation devices by 2029, likely in cost-intensive, specialized applications. The company envisions deeper market penetration with lower-cost, mass-produced devices from 2029 onwards, with potential grid connections not expected before 2032.

Avalanche Energy's innovative approach to micro-fusion reactors and rapid development cycle position the company as a potential leader in compact fusion technology, with applications ranging from distributed energy generation to space propulsion.

Type One Energy Group

Overview

Type One Energy Group, founded in 2019, is a pioneering fusion energy company dedicated to developing sustainable and affordable fusion power. The company was established by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists, including Dr. David Anderson, who serves as the VP of Systems Engineering, Randall Volberg, John Canik, Paul Harris, and Chris Hegna.

Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional locations across North America, Type One Energy has grown significantly since its inception.

Type One Energy has secured substantial funding, raising close to $100 million in financing by 2024.

The company's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power plants to provide clean, abundant energy. Type One Energy aims to launch a fusion pilot power plant project with an owner/operating partner by 2030.

Key collaborators and partners include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, TDK Ventures, Doral Energy Tech Ventures, and various global research institutions and universities. The company also has support from the US Department of Energy's Milestone Fusion Development Program and access to Oak Ridge National Lab's supercomputing resources.

A recent innovation is the development of their FusionDirect program, which pursues a direct path to commercializing fusion energy using stellarator technology. In February 2024, Type One Energy announced plans to construct a prototype stellarator nuclear fusion reactor at the TVA's Bull Run Fossil Plant site in Clinton, Tennessee.

Fusion Approach

Type One Energy Group employs a stellarator fusion approach, which is a unique and promising method for achieving controlled nuclear fusion. Here's how it works:

Fusion Approach

The stellarator uses a twisted, figure-8 shaped magnetic field to confine and heat plasma:

1. Plasma Creation: Fusion fuel is heated to form a plasma state.
2. Magnetic Confinement: Specially designed (HTS) superconducting magnets create a complex, twisted magnetic field that holds the plasma in place.
3. Continuous Operation: Unlike tokamaks, stellarators can operate continuously, improving stability and efficiency.
4. Plasma Heating: The confined plasma is heated to extreme temperatures using various methods, including high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
5. Fusion Reactions: At sufficient temperature and density, fusion reactions occur within the plasma, releasing energy.

Type One Energy enhances the stellarator design with high-field superconducting magnets and advanced manufacturing techniques, aiming to improve performance and reduce construction complexity.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. For a stellarator design, the most likely fuel mixture is:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that can be bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While not explicitly stated, typical fusion reactor designs would suggest a method likely similar to the following:

1. Neutron Absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured by a blanket surrounding the reactor chamber.
2. Heat Generation: The neutron-absorbing blanket heats up, likely containing a lithium compound to also breed tritium fuel.
3. Heat Transfer: A coolant system extracts heat from the blanket.
4. Steam Generation: The captured heat is used to produce steam.
5. Electricity Production: Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Type One Energy's focus on partner-intensive development and capital-efficient strategies suggests they may be exploring approaches similar to above to energy capture and conversion as part of their FusionDirect program.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Type One Energy Group has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. The company revealed plans to build Infinity One, its stellarator fusion prototype machine, at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Bull Run Fossil Plant site in Clinton, Tennessee.
2. Type One Energy signed a tri-party memorandum of understanding with TVA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance fusion energy development.
3. The company announced it will establish its headquarters in East Tennessee, creating over 300 high-paying jobs within the next five years.
4. Type One Energy selected AtkinsRéalis to develop the preliminary design for its pilot fusion power plant.
5. Type One Energy has made significant progress in developing HTS (High-Temperature Superconducting) magnets for stellarators under an ARPA-E grant.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

While the exact capacity is not specified, Type One Energy aims to develop a fusion pilot power plant. FIA does mention 500 MWe anticipated capacity though.

Demo target date

Type One Energy plans to complete the construction of Infinity One, its prototype stellarator fusion machine, by the end of 2028.

Commercial target date

The company aims to launch its fusion pilot power plant project with an owner/operating partner by 2030. Type One Energy envisions deploying the first wave of full-scale, commercial fusion power plants in the second half of the 2030s.

CTFusion Inc.

Overview

CTFusion Inc. was a private fusion energy company founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the University of Washington. The company was based in Seattle, Washington and pursued the spheromak concept and inductive helicity injection approach to fusion energy.

CTFusion was led by Thomas R. Jarboe as President and Aaron Hossack as Chief Technology Officer. While the exact number of employees was not known, it was likely a small startup team.

The company secured several rounds of funding, including:

• $50,000 from an Innovation Fund in June 2015
• $150,000 Phase 1 funding in June 2018
• $3,455,136 from the ARPA-E OPEN 2018 program in January 2019

CTFusion's target market was the energy sector, aiming to develop commercial fusion power plants using their spheromak technology.

Key collaborators included the University of Washington, where the foundational research originated. The company likely partnered with national laboratories and other research institutions, though specific details are not available.

Unfortunately, CTFusion shut down operations in 2023 due to a failure to complete its first venture capital funding round and running out of time to secure necessary funding. While the company did not achieve commercial success, its work contributed to the broader field of fusion energy research during its years of operation.

Fusion Approach

CTFusion Inc. employed a unique fusion approach called the spheromak, which is a type of compact toroid configuration for magnetic confinement fusion. Here's how their system worked:

Fusion Approach

1. Plasma Formation: A plasma is created within a compact, spherical chamber.
2. Magnetic Confinement: The spheromak uses a self-organizing magnetic field structure to confine the plasma. This field is generated by currents flowing within the plasma itself.
3. Imposed-Dynamo Current Drive (IDCD): CTFusion developed a novel plasma sustainment method called IDCD to maintain and control the plasma configuration.
4. Compact Design: The spheromak approach allows for a more compact reactor design compared to traditional tokamaks, potentially reducing costs and complexity.
5. Fusion Reactions: As the plasma reaches sufficient temperature and density, fusion reactions occur within the confined plasma.

Fuel Used

CTFusion used a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that can be bred within the reactor using lithium.

This fuel combination is chosen because it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion, making it the most practical for early fusion reactors.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details of CTFusion's energy capture approach are not known, a typical fusion energy capture method for this type of reactor would likely involve:

1. Neutron Absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured by a blanket surrounding the reactor chamber.
2. Heat Generation: The neutron-absorbing blanket heats up, likely containing a lithium compound to also breed tritium fuel.
3. Heat Transfer: A coolant system extracts heat from the blanket.
4. Steam Generation: The captured heat is used to produce steam.
5. Electricity Production: Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

CTFusion's approach aimed to provide a lower-cost path to fusion energy while reducing research costs to develop economical fusion power plants.

Princeton Fusion Systems

Overview

Princeton Fusion Systems, founded in 2017, is a pioneering company in the field of fusion energy development. The company was established by Michael Paluszek and Marilyn Ham in Princeton, New Jersey, where it continues to be headquartered.

The company has secured significant funding for its research and development efforts. This includes $1.25 million from the ARPA-E OPEN 2018 program for their "Next-Generation PFRC" project and $1.07 million for the GAMOW project focused on wide-bandgap semiconductor amplifiers for plasma heating and control. Additionally, they have received multiple INFUSE awards for various aspects of their fusion research.

Princeton Fusion Systems' primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing compact fusion reactors. Their PFRC (Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration) microreactors aim to provide 1 to 10 MW portable fusion power units that can be installed anywhere, potentially revolutionizing clean energy production.

Key collaborators likely include the U.S. Department of Energy, given their ARPA-E and INFUSE funding, as well as academic institutions such as Princeton University, though specific partnerships are not known.

Recent innovations include advancements in their PFRC technology, particularly in plasma stabilization, electron density profiling, and RF antenna designs for plasma heating and sustainment. These developments are evidenced by their recent INFUSE awards.

Fusion Approach

Princeton Fusion Systems employs a unique fusion approach called the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration (PFRC). Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

The PFRC is a compact fusion reactor design that uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio frequency (RF) heating to create and sustain fusion reactions:

1. Plasma Formation: A plasma is created within a cylindrical chamber.
2. Magnetic Confinement: Strong magnetic fields are used to confine and shape the plasma into a field-reversed configuration, which is a self-organizing structure that helps maintain plasma stability.
3. RF Heating: Novel RF plasma heating techniques are used to heat the plasma to fusion temperatures. This approach allows for more efficient heating with lower radioactivity compared to traditional methods.
4. Compact Design: The PFRC is designed to be small and portable, potentially producing 1 to 10 MW of power in a unit that can be installed anywhere.

Fuel Used

The PFRC is designed to use deuterium and helium-3 (D-3He) as its primary fuel mixture. This advanced fuel combination is chosen for several reasons:

1. It produces very low levels of neutrons, which reduces radiation damage and activation of reactor components.
2. The low neutron production makes the reactor safer to operate and reduces maintenance costs.
3. It allows for a smaller reactor size, as the D-3He reaction produces mostly charged particles that can be directly converted to electricity.

The PFRC design also considers the deuterium-deuterium (D-D) reaction as a side reaction. The tritium produced from D-D reactions would be rapidly exhausted due to the small size of the reactor, further enhancing safety.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Princeton Fusion Systems plans to use a multi-faceted approach for energy capture in their Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration (PFRC) fusion reactor:

Direct Energy Capture

The PFRC design allows for direct energy capture from charged fusion products. The unique geometry of the reactor enables fusion products to pass through a cool plasma shell, where their energy is rapidly extracted.

Thermal Energy Conversion

A closed-loop Brayton cycle generator is planned to convert thermal energy into electricity. This system will capture heat from multiple sources:

1. Radiated energy from the plasma, which heats a He-Xe fluid to approximately 1,500 K in a boron-containing structure.
2. Energy extracted by the cool plasma shell from fusion products.
3. Heat collected from radiation losses to the reactor walls.
4. Thermal energy from the exhaust box end wall.

The Brayton cycle is expected to operate with high efficiency, potentially around 50%.

Propulsion

For space applications, the PFRC can function as a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD). In this configuration, adding propellant to the edge plasma flow results in variable thrust when channeled through a magnetic nozzle, effectively functioning as an ion thruster.

Power Distribution

The generated electricity will be used for multiple purposes:

• Energizing the reactor coils
• Powering the RF heater for plasma heating
• Charging batteries
• Supporting communications and station-keeping functions
• Driving the odd-parity Rotating Magnetic Field (RMFo) system

Efficiency and Output

Princeton Fusion Systems estimates that approximately:

• 35% of fusion power goes to thrust (in space applications)
• 30% is converted to electric power
• 25% is lost as heat
• 10% is recirculated for RF heating

For terrestrial power plants, the system is projected to generate about 0.57 MW of net electric power for every 1 MW of fusion power, assuming a 50% efficient Brayton cycle.

This comprehensive approach aims to maximize energy capture and utilization, making the PFRC a potentially efficient and versatile fusion power system for both space and terrestrial applications.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Princeton Fusion Systems has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. AI-driven plasma control: Researchers from Princeton University and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) successfully deployed machine learning methods to suppress harmful edge instabilities in fusion plasmas without sacrificing performance.
2. Real-time optimization: The team developed an AI model that reduced computation time for plasma control from tens of seconds to milliseconds, enabling real-time adjustments.
3. Multi-facility demonstration: The AI-based approach was successfully demonstrated at two different fusion facilities, showcasing its versatility.
4. DOE program participation: Princeton Fusion Systems was selected as one of eight companies to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy's Milestone-based Fusion Development Program, sharing $46 million in funding.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Princeton Fusion Systems is developing PFRC (Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration) microreactors that aim to provide 1 to 10 MW portable fusion power units.

Demo target date

A specific demo target date is not mentioned. However, given their participation in the DOE's program aimed at resolving challenges within 5-10 years, a demonstration could be expected in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Commercial target date

While not explicitly stated for Princeton Fusion Systems, the fusion industry generally aims for commercial viability in the 2030s. Given their progress and DOE support, Princeton Fusion Systems may target commercial operations in the mid-2030s.

It's important to note that these projections are speculative. The company's actual timeline may differ based on technological progress and funding availability.

Compact Fusion Systems

Overview

Compact Fusion Systems, founded in 2017, was a fusion energy startup based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The company aimed to develop compact fusion reactors for clean energy production.

The company was established with a seed funding of $20,000 from Strong Atomics in May 2017.

Compact Fusion Systems' primary target market was likely the energy sector, focusing on developing small-scale fusion reactors for power generation.

The company had at least one project in development, referred to as the "Compact Fusion Systems Prototype," though details about this project are not known.

Unfortunately, Compact Fusion Systems ceased operations in 2024, just seven years after its founding. The reasons for the shutdown are not specified in the available information.

It's worth noting that while Compact Fusion Systems was part of the growing field of fusion energy startups, its short operational lifespan highlights the challenges faced by companies in this highly complex and competitive sector.

Electric Fusion Systems Inc.

Overview

Electric Fusion Systems Inc. (EFS) was founded by Ryan S. Wood serving as the CEO and Co-founder in 2020.

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, EFS is a small startup with 4 employees according to FIA. The company has been working on developing a unique approach to fusion energy using light element, direct electricity fusion power.

Funding details are not explicitly stated (although FIA estimates are around $400,000), but Ryan Wood mentioned in an interview that they estimate needing about $3 million to achieve "substantial fusion breakeven" in a public and credible manner.

EFS's target markets are diverse and extensive, given the scalability and portability of their technology. They aim to replace various energy sources, including solar, wind, batteries, and hydrocarbons. Specific markets mentioned include:

1. Electrical substations
2. Automotive transportation
3. Industrial applications
4. Electric utility solutions
5. Remote power generation (replacing diesel generators)

Recent innovations include the development of their Light Element Electric Fusion (LEEF) technology, which combines advanced fusion fuel with a pulsed electrical stimulation breakthrough. EFS has also developed a patent-pending proton-lithium Rydberg matter fusion fuel.

Fusion Approach

Electric Fusion Systems Inc. (EFS) employs a unique fusion approach called Light Element Electric Fusion (LEEF) technology. Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Quantum Plasma State (QPS): EFS creates a dense plasma state where ions are in close proximity and electron wavefunctions overlap significantly. This state reduces Coulomb repulsion, allowing for closer ion approaches and increased fusion probabilities.
2. Low-Temperature Plasma: Unlike conventional high-temperature fusion methods, LEEF operates at lower temperatures, simplifying reactor design and operation.
3. Pulsed Electrical Stimulation: The system uses a switching power supply to provide precise control over electric fields and plasma conditions, crucial for initiating and sustaining fusion reactions.
4. Compact Design: EFS is developing a portable, appliance-sized fusion technology that can be scaled from kilowatts to megawatts.

Fuel Used

EFS uses a proton-lithium fuel mixture:

• The reactor vessel contains a lithium-proton fuel.
• This fuel combination is part of EFS's patent-pending proton-lithium Rydberg matter fusion fuel.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

EFS's energy capture method involves:

1. Direct Energy Conversion: The reactor directly converts fusion-generated kinetic energy into electrical energy within its inductor. This process utilizes the inductive properties to induce an electromotive force (EMF) from the movement of charged particles.
2. Inductive Coupling: The system uses inductively coupled extraction coils to capture the energy produced by the fusion reactions.
3. Load-Following Capability: The technology can adjust power output based on demand, consuming more or less fusion fuel as needed within certain parameters.
4. Modular Design: EFS is developing modular fusion power cartridges that can be combined to achieve various power outputs, providing flexibility for different applications.

This approach aims to provide a more efficient, compact, and scalable fusion energy solution compared to traditional fusion reactor designs.

ENN

Overview

ENN (fusion), also known as ENN Energy Research Institute, is a division of ENN Group focused on fusion energy development. ENN Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd was founded in 2006 while ENN Fusion Technology R&D Center was founded in 2018.

Headquartered in Langfang, Hebei Province, China, ENN's fusion research is conducted at their Energy Research Institute. FIA estimates the number of employees around 150.

As part of the larger ENN Group, which is a major player in China's energy sector, ENN (fusion) has substantial resources at its disposal, close to $400 million.

ENN's target market for fusion energy is primarily the power generation sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion reactors for clean energy production.

Key collaborators include the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), with whom ENN has partnered to develop the HL-2M tokamak fusion reactor.

Recent innovations include the development of their own compact tokamak fusion reactor, which achieved first plasma in 2022. This reactor, with a major radius of 1.2m and a minor radius of 0.7m, represents a significant step in ENN's fusion research program.

ENN's fusion research represents a significant private sector investment in fusion energy development in China, complementing the country's national fusion program.

Fusion Approach

ENN employs a magnetic confinement fusion approach using a compact tokamak design. Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Plasma Creation: A mixture of deuterium and tritium fuel is heated to extremely high temperatures to form a plasma.
2. Magnetic Confinement: Powerful magnetic fields are used to confine and control the super-hot plasma within the tokamak's vacuum chamber.
3. Fusion Reactions: Under these extreme conditions, the deuterium and tritium nuclei overcome their natural repulsion and fuse, releasing energy in the process.
4. Compact Design: ENN's tokamak has a major radius of 1.2m and a minor radius of 0.7m, making it more compact than many other tokamak designs.

Fuel Used

ENN is actively pursuing proton-boron (p-11B) fusion for its future reactors:

• They consider p-11B fusion an ideal choice for environmentally friendly and cost-effective fusion energy.
• This fuel combination is aneutronic, producing fewer neutrons and lower neutron energy compared to other fusion reactions.

Roadmap

ENN has developed a roadmap for p-11B fusion:

• Their next-generation device, named EHL-2 (ENN He-Long), is planned to be constructed by 2026.
• EHL-2 aims to achieve p-11B fusion with specific target parameters, including a major radius of 1.8 m and a central temperature of 300 keV.

Advantages of p-11B

ENN cites several benefits for choosing this fuel combination:

• Low neutron yield (aneutronic)
• Abundant and accessible fuel
• Potential for high energy conversion efficiency
• Suitability for the distributed energy market

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details of ENN's energy capture approach are not known, FIA states that ENN plans to utilize direct energy conversion.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Based on the available information, here are the milestones achieved by ENN in 2024 and their plans ahead:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. EXL-50U completion: ENN Science and Technology completed the EXL-50U spherical torus device and achieved its first plasma in January 2024.
2. Proton-Boron fusion progress: ENN continued to advance their proton-boron fusion technology throughout 2024.

Plans ahead

1. EHL-2 reactor: ENN is working on their next-generation reactor, EHL-2, which is set for completion by 2026.
2. FIA estimates the anticipated MWe of your commercial operating facility to be about 200MWe.

It's worth noting that ENN's focus on proton-boron fusion is a unique approach in the fusion energy landscape, potentially offering advantages in terms of reduced neutron production and radioactivity compared to deuterium-tritium fusion.

Deutelio

Overview

Deutelio is an innovative fusion energy company founded in Italy, with its name derived from the Italian terms "DEUTerio" and "ELIO" (deuterium and helium). The company aims to achieve industrial-scale nuclear fusion using magnetic confinement with their proprietary Polomac configuration.

Deutelio was founded by Francesco Elio and Filippo Elio in 2022.

Deutelio is headquartered at Grono, Switzerland and also operates in Gavirate, Italy while employing 4 employees as per FIA.

Also, as per FIA, Deutelio has raised about $538,000 in funding.

Deutelio's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing fusion power for thermal and electrical energy generation. The company aims to have its Polomac model generating energy by 2033 as per FIA.

A notable innovation is Deutelio's Polomac scheme, which reportedly operates stably and continuously while requiring a magnetic field 4-5 times less intense compared to other methods. The theoretical feasibility of this approach has been validated by experts in plasma physics.

Deutelio's approach to fusion energy, focusing on the deuterium-deuterium reaction with their unique Polomac configuration, positions them as an interesting player in the growing field of fusion energy startups.

Fusion Approach

Deutelio employs a unique fusion approach called the Polomac configuration, which is a form of magnetic confinement fusion. Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Poloidal Magnetic Configuration: The Polomac uses a poloidal magnetic field to confine the plasma, which is different from the more common toroidal configuration used in tokamaks.
2. Magnetic Tunnels: The outboard magnetic field lines are deviated to create access points called "magnetic tunnels." These tunnels allow for the support, feeding, and cooling of dipole coils located inside the plasma.
3. Improved Stability: This configuration aims to provide better plasma stability and confinement efficiency compared to traditional tokamak designs.
4. Continuous Operation: The Polomac is designed to work stably and continuously, requiring a magnetic field that is 4-5 times less intense than other methods.

Fuel Used

Deutelio uses a deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fuel cycle:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water.
• The D-D reaction is chosen for its availability and lack of need for tritium breeding.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details of Deutelio's energy capture approach are not provided, a typical fusion energy capture method would likely involve:

1. Neutron Absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured by a (liquid metal) blanket surrounding the reactor chamber.
2. Heat Generation: The neutron-absorbing blanket heats up.
3. Heat Transfer: A coolant system extracts heat from the blanket.
4. Steam Generation: The captured heat is used to produce steam.
5. Electricity Production: Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Deutelio's Polomac configuration aims to provide a more efficient and potentially more cost-effective path to fusion energy, with the goal of generating energy by 2033.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Based on the available information, I can provide the following details about Deutelio's milestones and plans:

Milestones in past 12 months

• Deutelio has continued to develop and refine their proprietary Polomac technology, a poloidal magnetic configuration for fusion energy.
• The company has been working on validating their fusion approach with experts in plasma physics.

Future Plans

According to FIA:

• Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility to be around 30 MWe.
• First nuclear D-D pilot power plant 10 MW for heat production to go live in 2028.
• Sales for district heating, food industry, agriculture green houses and pools in 2029.
• Upgrade for electricity generation in 2033.

Deutelio's unique approach using the Polomac configuration, which reportedly requires a magnetic field 4-5 times less intense than other methods, positions them as an interesting player in the fusion energy landscape. Their focus on the deuterium-deuterium reaction also sets them apart from many other fusion approaches.

EX-Fusion

Overview

EX-Fusion is a pioneering Japanese startup in the field of laser fusion energy, founded in September 2021. The company was established by Kazuki Matsuo (CEO), Shinsuke Fujioka (CTO), and Yoshitaka Mori (CSO), bringing together expertise from academia and industry.

The company has secured substantial funding, raising approximately 130 million Japanese yen (approximately $1.2 million at the time) in 2022, followed by a significant funding round of .8 billion yen (approximately $12.8 million) in 2023. This brings their total funding close $14 million, demonstrating strong investor confidence in their approach.

EX-Fusion's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial laser fusion power plants.

Key collaborators and partners include Osaka University and the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) in Japan, leveraging their expertise in laser and fusion research. The company also collaborates with Hamamatsu Photonics for laser development.

Recent innovations include the development of high-repetition-rate laser technology and target fabrication techniques crucial for practical laser fusion energy. EX-Fusion has also made progress in designing compact laser fusion reactors.

Fusion Approach

EX-Fusion employs a laser fusion approach, also known as inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Here's how their system works:

Fusion Approach

1. Fuel Target Injection: A small fuel target is accelerated to about 100 m/s and injected towards the center of the reactor.
2. Laser Implosion: Once the target reaches the center, high-power lasers irradiate it from all directions, causing rapid compression and heating.
3. Fusion Ignition: As the fuel implodes, it reaches extreme temperatures and densities, triggering fusion reactions.
4. Repetition: This process is repeated at a frequency of about 10 times per second to maintain continuous power generation.

Fuel Used

EX-Fusion uses a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from seawater.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen that can be bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

EX-Fusion's energy capture method involves:

1. Neutron Absorption: A "blanket" device surrounds the reactor's center, absorbing neutrons produced by fusion reactions.
2. Heat Transfer: The blanket heats up from the absorbed neutron energy.
3. Steam Generation: A heat exchanger uses the captured heat to produce steam.
4. Electricity Production: The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

This approach aims to provide a practical and efficient method for harnessing fusion energy, with the goal of commercializing laser fusion technology for clean power generation.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

As a science educator, I'm excited to share the recent milestones and future plans for EX-Fusion, a pioneering company in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion:

Milestones in past 12 months

• In April 2024, EX-Fusion officially commenced operations at their Integrated Operation Experimental Device site in Hamamatsu, Japan. This facility integrates a 10Hz laser, 10Hz target injection, and 10Hz adaptive optics, allowing for testing of the integrated operation of various systems crucial for their fusion approach.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

EX-Fusion has ambitious plans for scaling up their fusion power plants:

• By 2035, they aim to have a 200 MWe commercial-grade Fusion Power Plant (FPP) operational.
• By 2045, they plan to scale up to a 1.4 GWe highly competitive large-scale FPP.

Demo target date

EX-Fusion has set several interim targets leading up to their commercial plants:

• 2027: Continuous Operation Technology Demonstrator
• 2030: Fusion Power Generation Demonstration Reactor (to prove the commercial viability of Fast-Ignition Inertial Fusion Energy)

Commercial target date

EX-Fusion is targeting 2035 for their first commercial-grade 200 MWe Fusion Power Plant.

These milestones and targets demonstrate EX-Fusion's commitment to rapidly advancing laser fusion technology towards commercial viability, with the goal of providing clean, abundant fusion energy in the coming decades.

Focused Energy

Overview

Focused Energy, founded in 2021, is an innovative fusion energy company headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, with additional operations in the United States. The company was established by a team of renowned scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Todd Ditmire (CEO), Dr. Markus Roth (CSO), and Dr. Thomas Forner (CFO).

As of 2024, Focused Energy employs over 50 people across its locations, bringing together a diverse team of experts in laser technology, plasma physics, and fusion energy development.

The company has secured substantial funding, raising over $120 million to date.

Focused Energy's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial inertial fusion energy power plants. Their technology aims to provide clean, abundant energy for grid-scale power generation.

Key collaborators and partners include the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Texas at Austin, leveraging their expertise in laser and fusion research. The company also collaborates with national laboratories and other research institutions.

Recent innovations include advancements in their laser-driven fusion approach, particularly in target design and laser technology. Focused Energy has also made progress in developing compact, high-repetition-rate laser systems crucial for practical fusion energy production.

Focused Energy's approach to fusion, combining expertise from both Europe and the United States, positions them as a significant player in the growing field of fusion energy startups.

Fusion Approach

Focused Energy is pioneering an innovative approach to fusion energy that combines advanced laser technology with a unique ignition method. Their fusion approach, known as direct-drive proton fast ignition, offers a promising path towards achieving commercial fusion energy production.

Fusion Approach

Focused Energy's fusion approach, called direct-drive proton fast ignition, involves a two-step process:

1. Fuel Compression: Nanosecond lasers are used to spherically compress a fuel pellet, creating high-density conditions necessary for fusion.
2. Ignition: Picosecond lasers are focused onto a thin foil, generating a proton beam that superheats a small area of the compressed fuel, igniting the fusion reaction.

This method offers several advantages:

• Lower compression requirements, reducing the total laser energy needed
• Reduced impact of laser-plasma instabilities
• Less stringent requirements on target quality and laser irradiation uniformity

The use of protons for ignition, rather than electrons, is a key innovation. Protons, being heavier, behave more predictably and penetrate the fusion fuel more effectively than electrons.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, inertial confinement fusion typically uses a mixture of deuterium (D) and tritium (T) as fuel. These are heavy isotopes of hydrogen, chosen for their relatively high fusion cross-section at achievable temperatures.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Focused Energy's planned energy capture approach is not shared explicitly. However, based on typical inertial confinement fusion designs, we can infer the following:

1. Neutron Absorption: The fusion reactions will produce high-energy neutrons. These neutrons will likely be captured in a (lithium neutron) blanket surrounding the reactor core.
2. Heat Generation: The neutron absorption will heat the blanket material.
3. Coolant Circulation: A coolant (possibly water, helium, or a lithium-lead mixture) will circulate through the blanket, absorbing the heat.
4. Electricity Generation: The heated coolant will be used to generate electricity through conventional turbine methods.

Additionally, Focused Energy aims to build an ignition-scale laser facility by the end of the decade, with plans for a credible ignition experiment by the end of 2029. Their ultimate goal is to develop lasers capable of firing at least 10 shots per second for sustained power production.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Recent Milestones (2024)

Focused Energy has made significant progress in the past 12 months:

1. Completed a scientific report detailing its initial high-gain target design based on direct-drive laser inertial fusion, fulfilling the first milestone in the US Department of Energy's Milestone-based Fusion Development Program.
2. Successfully conducted an experiment at the Laboratory for Advanced Laser for Extreme Photonics at Colorado State University to measure and optimize laser-generated proton focusing.
3. Tested the ability to produce and align targets at high repetition rates using its in-house target laboratory.
4. Announced plans to build a state-of-the-art $65 million Laser Development Facility in the San Francisco Bay Area, which will also serve as the company's U.S. headquarters.
5. Partnered with Amplitude, a developer of ultrafast lasers, to advance two laser systems beyond the current state-of-the-art for inertial fusion energy.

Plans Ahead

Focused Energy is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. The company plans to install advanced kilojoule-class lasers at its new Laser Development Facility, designed to test the physics needed for efficient direct-drive compression of deuterium-tritium fusion fuel targets.
2. These lasers will operate at enhanced repetition rates of one shot every 60 seconds, enabling rapid design iteration.
3. Focused Energy aims to combine its laser and target technology in an engineering facility that will integrate, test, and optimize all prerequisite technologies for a commercial-scale fusion pilot plant.

Also, FIA states the following plans for Focused Energy:

1. Experimental Laser Facility in Bay Area - First experimental laser facility for proton fast ignition (2025).
2. Implosion Test Facility in Germany - Sub-scale implosion demonstrator, TRL 6, with 48 lasers, MVP (2030).
3. LDRS Demonstrator Facility in Biblis, Germany (2027).

Anticipated Power Output and Target Dates

1. Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Facility: 1000MW according to FIA.
2. Demo Target Date: Focused Energy aims to build an ignition-scale laser facility by the end of the decade, with plans for a credible ignition experiment by the end of 2029.
3. Commercial Target Date: The company plans to bring fusion to commercial viability within the next decade, aligning with the broader industry goal of developing fusion pilot plants in the 2030s.

Focused Energy's approach focuses on direct-drive laser fusion, building upon the breakthrough achieved at the National Ignition Facility in 2022. By leveraging advanced laser technology and innovative target designs, the company aims to accelerate the development of commercially viable fusion energy.

HB11 Energy

Overview

HB11 Energy, founded in 2017, is an innovative fusion energy company pioneering a new approach to clean power generation. The company was established by Dr. Warren McKenzie, Professor Heinrich Hora, and Jan Kirchhoff in Sydney, Australia, where it maintains its headquarters.

HB11 Energy's primary target market is the energy sector, with a focus on developing commercial fusion power plants using their unique laser-driven hydrogen-boron fusion approach. Their technology aims to provide clean, safe, and abundant energy for grid-scale power generation and potentially other applications such as space propulsion.

Key collaborators and partners include the University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Queen's University Belfast, Osaka University, and the University of Salamanca. HB11 Energy also collaborates with ELI ERIC, a pan-European laser research infrastructure, and has received support from the US Department of Energy's INFUSE program.

Recent innovations include advancements in their laser-driven fusion approach, particularly in target design and laser technology. In December 2024, HB11 Energy signed an agreement with ELI ERIC to develop micro-structured laser targets for fusion experiments.

Fusion Approach

HB11 Energy is pioneering an innovative approach to nuclear fusion that diverges significantly from conventional methods. Their technique, known as laser-driven hydrogen-boron fusion, offers a promising path towards clean and abundant energy production.

Fusion Approach

HB11 Energy's fusion approach utilizes a method called laser-driven fusion. This technique employs high-power lasers, specifically Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) lasers, which were the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics. Unlike traditional fusion methods that rely on extreme temperatures to initiate reactions, HB11's approach is non-thermal.

The process works as follows:

1. Two powerful lasers are used to control the fusion reaction.
2. One laser creates a hydrogen-boron plasma.
3. The second laser generates a stream of protons, which are rapidly accelerated towards the plasma.
4. This acceleration creates what HB11 calls an "ultrafast plasma block".
5. When the accelerated protons collide with the boron nuclei in the plasma, fusion reactions occur.

This method is particularly innovative because it doesn't require heating the fuel to extremely high temperatures, which has been a significant challenge in other fusion approaches.

Fuel Used

HB11 Energy uses a combination of hydrogen and boron-11 (11B) as fuel for their fusion reactions. This fuel choice offers several advantages:

1. Abundance: Both hydrogen and boron-11 are readily available elements. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, while boron-11 comprises about 80% of all naturally occurring boron.
2. Safety: The hydrogen-boron reaction is aneutronic, meaning it produces minimal neutron radiation. This makes the process inherently safer and reduces the need for heavy shielding.
3. Sustainability: Earth's boron reserves alone are estimated to contain enough energy for over 100,000 years of global energy consumption.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

HB11 Energy uses conventional steam cycle generator energy capture:

1. Conventional Steam Cycle Generator: The energy released from the fusion reaction drives a conventional steam cycle generator, similar to those used in traditional thermal power plants.
2. Pulsed Power Operation: Hydrogen-Boron fuel pellets are injected and burned at a rate of about 1 per second, providing a steady source of heat for the steam cycle.
3. Energy Recycling: A portion of the energy produced is recycled into the laser system for continued operation, ensuring efficient use of the generated power.
4. Commercial Viability: This approach aims to provide electricity at a commercial Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), making it potentially competitive with other power generation methods.

By leveraging innovative laser technology, abundant fuels, and direct energy conversion, this method holds the potential to overcome many of the obstacles that have hindered the realization of fusion energy thus far.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

HB11 Energy has made significant progress in the past 12 months:

1. Demonstrated a world-first "material" number of fusion reactions, producing ten times more fusion reactions than expected based on earlier experiments.
2. Published groundbreaking results in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Applied Sciences, showcasing non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron-11 using high-power lasers.
3. Secured funding through the US Department of Energy's Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, becoming one of the first public-private partnerships in the US government's vision for commercial fusion energy.
4. Expanded research collaborations with international universities, including UNSW, UTS, Queen's University Belfast, Osaka University, and the University of Salamanca.

Plans Ahead

HB11 Energy is pursuing an innovative approach to commercialization:

1. Component Commercialization: The company is focusing on commercializing two key technologies needed for fusion that can generate revenue today: high-powered lasers and boron fuel targets.
2. Laser Technology: HB11's high-power pulsed laser system, initially designed for fusion reactions, is gaining traction in military and defense applications, particularly for precision targeting and disabling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
3. Boron Fuel Targets: These are being engineered for niche uses such as medical isotope production, with potential for significant revenue growth by 2050.

Anticipated Power Output and Target Dates

While specific details about HB11 Energy's first commercial operating facility are not provided, we can infer the following based on industry trends and the company's statements:

1. Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Facility: 1000MW as per FIA.
2. Demo Target Date: HB11 Energy aims to demonstrate net energy gain in the next few years, though an exact date is not provided.
3. Commercial Target Date: The company plans to connect its first hydrogen-boron fusion power plant to the grid in the 2030s.

HB11 Energy's approach focuses on retiring risks from fusion energy technology while prioritizing components with immediate commercial applications. This strategy aims to accelerate the development of fusion energy technology while generating revenue and improving the overall value proposition of their fusion system.

Helical Fusion

Overview

Helical Fusion, founded in 2021, is a fusion energy startup based in Tokyo, Japan. The company was established as a spin-out from the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), leveraging decades of world-class research in helical fusion reactor technology. Helical Fusion aims to develop the world's first commercial steady-state fusion reactor using the innovative "Helical-Stellarator" approach.

The company's leadership includes co-founder and CEO Takaya Taguchi, who brings together a team of top researchers and business professionals. As of 2024, Helical Fusion has grown to a team of over 25 staff and collaborators.

Helical Fusion has secured about $19 million (according to FIA) in funding to pursue its ambitious goals. The company targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless fusion power to meet the world's growing electricity demands.

Helical Fusion's key collaborator is the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), with whom they established the "HF Collaboration Research Group" in March 2024. This partnership provides Helical Fusion with access to NIFS's world-class facilities, including dedicated experimental research space at the institute.

Recent commercial innovations include Helical Fusion's work on high-temperature superconducting magnets and liquid metal blankets, which are crucial components for their fusion reactor design. The company is also actively involved in the Japan Fusion Energy Council (J-Fusion), an industry group launched in March 2024 to accelerate fusion development and engage with government on safety standards.

Helical Fusion aims to realize the world's first steady-state fusion reactor by 2034 and commercialize it in the 2040s, positioning itself at the forefront of the global race to harness fusion energy for sustainable power generation.

Fusion Approach

Helical Fusion is pioneering an innovative approach to fusion energy using a helical-stellarator type reactor. This unique design aims to achieve continuous fusion operation for extended periods, potentially up to a year.

Fusion Approach

The helical-stellarator approach employed by Helical Fusion uses a complex magnetic field configuration to confine and stabilize the plasma. This design offers several advantages:

1. Steady-state operation: Unlike tokamaks, which operate in pulses, the helical-stellarator can potentially run continuously.
2. Plasma stability: The twisted magnetic field provides better plasma confinement and reduces instabilities.
3. Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH): The reactor uses numerous gyrotrons to heat the plasma through ECRH, which involves injecting microwaves at specific frequencies to energize electrons in the plasma.

The company is working on optimizing and mass-producing gyrotrons through advanced simulation techniques to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their heating system.

Fuel Used

Helical Fusion plans to use deuterium (D) and tritium (T) as fuel for their fusion reactor. This D-T fusion reaction is the easiest to achieve and produces the highest energy yield at attainable temperatures.

Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, can be extracted from seawater, making it an abundant fuel source. Tritium, being radioactive and scarce, is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Helical Fusion's energy capture approach involves several key components:

1. Neutron absorption: In D-T fusion, 80% of the energy is released as neutron kinetic energy. These neutrons escape the magnetic confinement and are absorbed by a surrounding blanket.
2. Liquid metal blanket: To efficiently handle the enormous heat load from neutrons, Helical Fusion is developing a system where liquid metal flows through the blanket, carrying heat out of the reactor.
3. Heat extraction: The heated liquid metal can then be used to generate steam and drive turbines for electricity production, similar to conventional power plants.
4. Fuel particle injection: To maintain the fusion reaction, Helical Fusion is collaborating with the National Institute for Fusion Science to develop a pipe-gun type solid hydrogen pellet injector. This system will create small grains of solid hydrogen and inject them at high speeds into the plasma, efficiently delivering fuel particles to the reactor core.

By combining these innovative approaches in plasma confinement, heating, and energy capture, Helical Fusion aims to develop a commercially viable fusion reactor that can provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Helical Fusion has made significant strides in 2024 towards its goal of developing the world's first commercial steady-state fusion reactor. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Established the "HF Collaboration Research Group" with the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) in March 2024, gaining access to world-class facilities and dedicated experimental research space.
2. Success of HTS cable current test in Q1 2024 (19kA, 8T, 20K) with min bend radii 4cm.

Future Plans

Helical Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. The company aims to realize the world's first steady-state fusion reactor by 2034.
2. Helical Fusion plans to commercialize its fusion reactor in the 2040s.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA estimates anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility to be around 50 - 100 MWe.

Demo Target Date

While not explicitly stated, based on the company's timeline, we can infer that the demo target date is likely to be around 2034, when Helical Fusion aims to realize the world's first steady-state fusion reactor.

Commercial Target Date

Helical Fusion plans to commercialize its fusion reactor in the 2040s.

Helical Fusion's approach focuses on the "Helical-Stellarator" design, which they believe is structurally more ideal for commercialization than other reactor types. The company is leveraging decades of world-class research from the National Institute for Fusion Science to accelerate its development timeline and bring fusion energy to commercial viability.

Helicity Space

Overview

Helicity Space, founded in 2018, is a commercial space company based in Pasadena, California. The company was established by three co-founders: Dr. Setthivoine You, a former professor in plasma physics at the University of Tokyo and University of Washington; Marta Calvo, who previously worked at Aerojet Rocketdyne with a background in chemical engineering; and Stephane Lintner, formerly at Goldman Sachs with expertise in applied mathematics.

Helicity Space has assembled a small but diverse and expert technical team focused on bringing practical fusion propulsion to reality. The company has secured significant funding, including a $5 million seed round in December 2023, with investors such as Airbus Ventures, Voyager Space Holdings, TRE Ventures, E2MC Space, Urania Ventures, and Gaingels. More recently, in April 2024, Helicity Space received additional undisclosed funding from Lockheed Martin Ventures.

Helicity Space primarily targets the space exploration and science sectors, as well as potential off-world industries and interplanetary resource mining. Their main offering, the Helicity Drive, is designed to enable safer, faster, reusable, and more fuel-efficient travel into deep space.

Key collaborators and partners include Lockheed Martin, with whom Helicity Space will work alongside their staff to further advance space transportation technology. The company also has long-standing relationships with leading education and research organizations.

In terms of recent innovations, Helicity Space has filed two patents, with the most popular patent topics including ion engines, nuclear spacecraft propulsion, and plasma physics. Their core technology leverages plectonemic plasma jets for confinement, magnetic reconnection for heating, and peristaltic magnetic compression for raising energy density.

Fusion Approach

Helicity Space is developing an innovative fusion propulsion technology called the Helicity Drive, which aims to enable faster, safer, and more efficient space travel. Their approach combines several advanced plasma physics concepts to achieve fusion conditions.

Fusion Approach

The Helicity Drive employs a unique magneto-inertial fusion method that incorporates three key elements:

1. Plectonemic plasma jets: These twisted, helical plasma streams are used for confinement, helping to stabilize and contain the plasma within a specific region.
2. Magnetic reconnection: This process, observed in phenomena like solar flares, is utilized for heating the plasma. It involves the merging and snapping of magnetic field lines, releasing significant amounts of energy.
3. Peristaltic magnetic compression: This technique increases the plasma's energy density by compressing it in a manner similar to peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

The Helicity Drive is designed to be scalable, allowing for progressive enhancement of the system's performance by adding more plasma sources. This approach enables the technology to be tested and developed in stages, similar to how adding cylinders to an internal combustion engine affects its performance.

Fuel Used

While the specific fuel is not explicitly mentioned, FIA states the fuel source to be D-D.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The Helicity Drive is primarily designed for propulsion rather than energy production. It captures the energy from fusion reactions in the form of directed plasma exhaust, which provides thrust for spacecraft. This approach differs from terrestrial fusion energy projects that aim to generate electricity.

Key features of the energy capture and utilization approach include:

1. Direct thrust generation: The fusion reactions produce a high-energy plasma exhaust, which is directed to create thrust for the spacecraft.
2. Pulsed operation: The Helicity Drive creates short bursts of fusion conditions, providing acceleration with each pulse. This allows for efficient propulsion even before achieving sustained fusion reactions.
3. Scalability: The system can be scaled from 100 kW to GW range, allowing for applications from cis-lunar to interstellar missions.
4. Reusability: The design emphasizes reusability, which is crucial for long-term space exploration and reducing mission costs.

By focusing on propulsion rather than electricity generation, Helicity Space aims to make fusion technology practical for space applications sooner than might be possible for terrestrial power generation. This approach could significantly enhance our capabilities for deep space exploration and interplanetary travel.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Helicity Space has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing fusion-powered spacecraft. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Advanced development of their core technology, the Helicity Drive, which leverages plectonemic plasma jets, magnetic reconnection heating, and peristaltic magnetic compression.
2. Filed two patents related to their fusion propulsion technology, focusing on ion engines, nuclear spacecraft propulsion, and plasma physics.

Future Plans

Helicity Space is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion propulsion development:

1. In the near term, the company is developing a proof-of-concept fusion drive to demonstrate the fundamental technology at a small scale.
2. The company aims to conduct a demonstration flight in orbit as early as 2026 to test key components of their Helicity Drive.
3. Helicity Space is working towards developing a full prototype flying in space in around 10 years, with plans for a protoflight by 2032.
4. The company is focusing on scalable performance, allowing for progressive enhancement of their system by adding more plasma jets or fusion guns.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

It's noted that their system is designed to be scalable from 100 kW to GW range, allowing for applications from cis-lunar to interstellar missions.

Demo Target Date

Helicity Space aims to conduct a demonstration flight in orbit as early as 2026.

Commercial Target Date

While a specific commercial target date is not mentioned, Helicity Space is working towards developing a functional spacecraft at TRL 9 within roughly a decade from now, which would place their commercial target in the mid-2030s.

Helicity Space's approach focuses on developing fusion propulsion for space applications, aiming to enable safer, faster, reusable, and more fuel-efficient travel into deep space. Their technology could significantly enhance capabilities for deep space exploration and interplanetary travel.

Horne Technologies

Overview

Horne Technologies, founded in 2008 by Tanner Horne, is a pioneering fusion energy company based in Longmont, Colorado, USA. The company is at the forefront of developing innovative fusion technology for both terrestrial and space energy applications.

Horne Technologies has assembled a team of 5 capable researchers and engineers working on their ambitious fusion projects. The company has secured significant funding to support its research and development efforts, including a $150,000 seed round from Free Radical Ventures in July 2019 and a $3 million Series A funding round in March 2022.

Horne Technologies targets both the terrestrial energy market and the space exploration sector, aiming to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless fusion power for use on Earth and in space. The company is a member of the Fusion Industry Association, collaborating with other industry leaders to promote fusion energy development.

Key innovations from Horne Technologies include:

1. The world's first superconducting, hybrid high-beta fusion research device
2. First adoption of High Temperature Superconductors in fusion technology
3. Development of a continuous operation fusion device

The company has achieved several milestones, including first plasma in 2017 and the development of a fusion-temperature machine in 2022. Horne Technologies is currently working on its second-generation device, with plans for a full-power fusion prototype to be operational by 2024.

Fusion Approach

Horne Technologies is developing an innovative fusion approach that combines elements of inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) and magnetic confinement fusion. Their unique hybrid system aims to overcome some of the challenges faced by traditional fusion approaches.

Fusion Approach

Horne Technologies' fusion approach incorporates several key elements:

1. Superconducting electromagnetic coils: The reactor uses high-temperature superconducting (REBCO) coils capable of generating strong magnetic fields.
2. Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC): This technique uses electric fields to heat and confine the plasma.
3. Magnetic confinement: The superconducting coils create a magnetic confinement region that helps contain the plasma and reduce particle losses.
4. High-beta configuration: This design allows for efficient plasma containment and potentially higher fusion reaction rates.

The system works by creating a potential well between electrically biased superconducting coils. Ions are accelerated towards these coils, but the magnetic fields divert them from colliding with the coils themselves. This "shielded" IEC approach reduces energy losses and improves efficiency compared to traditional IEC devices.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Horne Technologies, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. Given their focus on near-term applications, it's likely they are using a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture, which has the highest fusion cross-section at achievable temperatures.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Horne Technologies' energy capture approach likely involves:

1. Neutron absorption: In D-T fusion, most of the energy is released as neutrons. These would be captured in a surrounding blanket material.
2. Heat extraction: The neutron-heated blanket would transfer heat to a coolant system.
3. Electricity generation: The heat would then be used to drive turbines and generate electricity through conventional power cycles.

Additionally, Horne Technologies is developing their technology for both terrestrial and space energy applications, suggesting they may have multiple approaches to energy capture depending on the specific use case.

By combining IEC and magnetic confinement techniques with advanced superconducting technology, Horne Technologies aims to create a more efficient and practical path to fusion energy.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Horne Technologies, a pioneering fusion energy company founded in 2008, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing fusion technology for energy production. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Secured a patent for their "Nuclear fusion reactor with toroidal superconducting magnetic coils implementing inertial electrostatic heating" in April 2024.
2. Advanced development of their proprietary fusion technology, which combines elements of inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) and magnetic confinement fusion.
3. Continued work on their second-generation fusion research device, building upon the success of their first plasma achievement in 2017.
4. Expanded collaborations with research institutions and industry partners to further advance their fusion technology.

Future Plans

Horne Technologies is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. The company aims to have their full-power fusion prototype operational by the end of 2024.
2. Horne Technologies is working towards optimizing their fusion technology for energy production, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

While there is no specific information about the anticipated MWe output of Horne Technologies' first commercial operating facility, FIA estimates it to be around 1-100 MWe.

Demo Target Date

While not explicitly stated, based on the company's timeline of having a full-power fusion prototype operational by the end of 2024, we can infer that a demonstration of their technology may occur shortly after, possibly in 2025 or 2026.

Commercial Target Date

Horne Technologies is working to bring zero-carbon fusion energy to the grid by the early to mid-2030s. This aligns with the broader industry goal of developing commercial fusion energy solutions within the next decade.

Horne Technologies' approach focuses on developing a unique hybrid fusion system that combines elements of inertial electrostatic confinement and magnetic confinement. By leveraging advanced superconducting technology and innovative design, the company aims to create a more efficient and practical path to fusion energy.

Hyperjet Fusion

Overview

HyperJet Fusion Corporation, founded in 2008 by Tanner Horne, is a pioneering fusion energy company based in Chantilly, Virginia. The company is at the forefront of developing innovative fusion technology using a plasma jet driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) approach.

HyperJet Fusion currently employs a team of 8 dedicated professionals working on their ambitious fusion projects. The company has secured significant funding to support its research and development efforts, including a $2 million seed round in May 2017 and multiple SBIR grants from the Department of Energy. In March 2020, they received a $250,000 SBIR Phase 1 grant for their project on "Plasma Guns for Magnetized Fuel Targets for PJMIF."

The company targets both the terrestrial energy market and the space exploration sector, aiming to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless fusion power for use on Earth and in space. HyperJet Fusion is a member of the Fusion Industry Association, collaborating with other industry leaders to promote fusion energy development.

Key collaborators and partners include the Department of Energy's ARPA-E program and the INFUSE program, which supported 3D MHD simulations for their PJMIF approach in 2019. The company has also been working alongside staff from Lockheed Martin to further advance space transportation technology.

In terms of recent innovations, HyperJet Fusion secured a patent in April 2024 for their "Nuclear fusion reactor with toroidal superconducting magnetic coils implementing inertial electrostatic heating." This technology combines elements of inertial electrostatic confinement and magnetic confinement fusion, showcasing their innovative approach to fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

HyperJet Fusion is developing an innovative fusion energy approach called Plasma Jet Magneto-Inertial Fusion (PJMIF), which combines aspects of both magnetic and inertial confinement methods. This unique approach aims to create a faster, more cost-effective pathway to achieving fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

The PJMIF method involves the following key steps:

1. Plasma Jets and Liner Formation: An array of supersonic plasma guns generates discrete plasma jets. These jets converge to form a spherically imploding plasma liner.
2. Compression of Magnetized Plasma Target: The plasma liner compresses a pre-formed magnetized plasma target to fusion conditions. The compression increases the temperature and density of the plasma, enabling fusion reactions to occur.
3. Pulsed Operation: The system operates in pulses, with each cycle involving the formation and compression of a new plasma target. This design eliminates issues like helium ash buildup and simplifies reactor maintenance by evacuating the chamber between shots.

This hybrid approach leverages the benefits of both magnetic confinement (stabilizing the plasma) and inertial confinement (rapidly compressing it). By using plasma jets rather than lasers or large magnetic fields, PJMIF offers a potentially lower-cost and scalable solution for fusion energy.

Fuel Used

HyperJet Fusion's PJMIF system is designed to use deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel, which is the most common fusion fuel due to its relatively low temperature requirements and high energy yield. Deuterium is abundant in seawater, while tritium can be bred from lithium within the reactor itself using neutrons from the fusion reactions.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The planned energy capture approach for HyperJet Fusion's system includes:

1. Neutron Absorption: The D-T fusion reaction produces high-energy neutrons. These neutrons are captured in a surrounding blanket made of lithium-containing material.
2. Heat Extraction: The neutron interactions with the blanket generate heat, which is transferred to a coolant system.
3. Electricity Generation: The heat from the coolant is used to produce steam, driving turbines to generate electricity through conventional methods.
4. Tritium Breeding: The lithium blanket also serves as a medium for breeding tritium fuel, ensuring a self-sustaining fuel cycle.

HyperJet Fusion's PJMIF approach represents an innovative pathway toward practical fusion energy, combining cost efficiency with scalability. By focusing on pulsed plasma jet technology, the company aims to overcome many of the challenges associated with traditional fusion methods, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

HyperJet Fusion, a company developing Plasma Jet Magneto-Inertial Fusion (PJMIF) technology, has made progress in 2024 towards its goal of achieving commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Continued development of their PJMIF approach, which uses an array of supersonic plasma guns to generate discrete plasma jets that converge to form a spherically imploding plasma liner.
2. Advanced work on optimizing their plasma jet technology for improved efficiency and scalability.
3. Expanded collaborations with research institutions and industry partners to further advance their fusion technology.

Future Plans

HyperJet Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. The company aims to demonstrate key components of their PJMIF system at increasing energy scales.
2. HyperJet Fusion is working towards optimizing their fusion technology for energy production, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and scalability.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

No specific information about the anticipated MWe output of HyperJet Fusion's first commercial operating facility is provided.

Demo Target Date

While not explicitly stated for HyperJet Fusion, the fusion industry as a whole is targeting demonstration projects in the late 2020s to early 2030s. HyperJet Fusion likely aligns with this general timeline.

Commercial Target Date

Based on the industry trends, HyperJet Fusion, like other private fusion companies, is likely aiming for commercial deployment in the 2030s. However, significant technical and economic hurdles remain, making commercial fusion deployment more realistic in the 2040+ timeframe.

HyperJet Fusion's PJMIF approach represents an innovative pathway toward practical fusion energy, combining cost efficiency with scalability. By focusing on pulsed plasma jet technology, the company aims to overcome many of the challenges associated with traditional fusion methods, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

LPPFusion Inc.

Overview

LPPFusion Inc., founded in 2003, is a pioneering fusion energy company based in Middlesex, New Jersey. The company was established by Eric J. Lerner, who serves as the President and Chief Scientist, bringing decades of experience in plasma physics and fusion research to the venture.

LPPFusion operates with a small, dedicated team of researchers and engineers. The company has secured significant funding through a combination of private investments and crowdfunding campaigns. As of 2024, LPPFusion has raised over $8 million from more than 3,000 investors worldwide.

LPPFusion targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless fusion power using their innovative Focus Fusion approach. Their technology has potential applications in both terrestrial power generation and space propulsion.

Key collaborators include the International Center for Dense Magnetized Plasmas in Warsaw, Poland, where LPPFusion has conducted joint experiments. The company also maintains collaborations with various research institutions and universities to advance their fusion technology.

In terms of recent innovations, LPPFusion has made significant progress with their Focus Fusion device, FF-2B. They have achieved record-breaking ion energies and densities, bringing them closer to their fusion goals. The company has also developed novel beryllium electrodes for their fusion device, a critical component in their pursuit of net energy gain.

LPPFusion has been actively publishing their research findings. In 2023, they published a peer-reviewed paper in the journal Physics of Plasmas, detailing their achievements with beryllium electrodes and record-breaking fusion yields. This publication has garnered attention in the scientific community and further validates their approach to fusion energy.

As LPPFusion continues to push the boundaries of fusion technology, they remain committed to their goal of developing a compact, economical, and environmentally friendly fusion energy solution.

Fusion Approach

LPPFusion Inc. is developing an innovative fusion approach called Focus Fusion, which utilizes a device known as the Dense Plasma Focus (DPF). This unique method aims to harness fusion energy in a compact, efficient manner.

Fusion Approach

The Focus Fusion approach involves several key steps:

1. Plasma Creation: The DPF device creates a plasma, an ionized gas, within a vacuum chamber.
2. Magnetic Field Generation: Electric currents flowing through the plasma generate strong magnetic fields.
3. Plasma Compression: These magnetic fields compress the plasma into a tiny, dense ball called a plasmoid.
4. Fusion Reactions: The extreme compression and heating of the plasmoid trigger fusion reactions.
5. Energy Release: The fusion reactions release energy in the form of charged particles.

Unlike traditional fusion approaches that attempt to stabilize plasma, Focus Fusion embraces and utilizes the natural instabilities of plasma to produce energy.

Fuel Used

LPPFusion uses a combination of hydrogen and boron-11 (pB11) as fuel for their fusion reactions. This aneutronic fuel choice offers several advantages:

1. Clean Reactions: The pB11 fusion reaction produces no neutrons, resulting in minimal radioactive waste.
2. Abundance: Both hydrogen and boron are readily available elements, with boron easily extracted from seawater.
3. High Energy Density: pB11 fuel has the highest energy density of all known energy sources, making it millions of times more powerful than fossil fuels.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

LPPFusion's energy capture method differs significantly from conventional power generation:

1. Direct Electricity Generation: The fusion reactions produce a high-energy, electrically-charged beam of helium nuclei.
2. Inductive Conversion: This beam is captured by an electric circuit, generating electric currents through a series of coils, similar to how a transformer works.
3. Elimination of Turbines: The direct conversion of fusion energy to electricity eliminates the need for steam cycles and large turbines, potentially reducing the overall plant footprint and infrastructure costs.
4. Efficiency: This approach aims to achieve high efficiency in energy conversion, with the potential for energy costs as low as half a cent per kilowatt-hour.

By combining the innovative DPF device with aneutronic pB11 fuel and direct energy conversion, LPPFusion aims to create a compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly fusion energy solution.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

LPPFusion Inc. has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing Focus Fusion technology. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Achieved a new plasma purity record, building on their 2022 achievement.
2. Continued experiments with beryllium electrodes, which were installed in 2019.
3. Advanced testing of redesigned switches, power circuit, and anode, which began in 2021.
4. Started experiments with pB11 (hydrogen-boron) fuel, a critical step in their fusion approach.

Future Plans

LPPFusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. The company aims to demonstrate more energy output from their device than input energy in the 2023-2024 timeframe.
2. LPPFusion plans to achieve fusion yields of 10J, then 100J, and ultimately 1,000J as they progress through their development tasks.
3. They intend to test increased current with an upgrade of their power supply.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

LPPFusion's first prototype commercial generator is planned to be a 5 MW unit.

Demo Target Date

While not explicitly stated for 2024, based on their timeline, LPPFusion aims to demonstrate net energy gain (more fusion energy out than input energy) in the 2023-2024 timeframe.

Commercial Target Date

LPPFusion projects the development of their first prototype 5 MW generator by 2026. However, full commercialization would likely follow this prototype stage, potentially in the late 2020s or early 2030s, aligning with the broader fusion industry goals.

LPPFusion's Focus Fusion approach represents an innovative pathway toward practical fusion energy, aiming to create a compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly fusion energy solution using hydrogen-boron fuel.

Magneto-Inertial Fusion Tech (MIFTI)

Overview

Magneto-Inertial Fusion Technologies, Inc. (MIFTI) is a pioneering fusion energy company founded in 2008 by scientists from the University of California, Irvine. The company is based in Tustin, California, and was established with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the realm of fusion energy through their innovative Staged Z-Pinch (SZP) concept.

The co-founders of MIFTI include Gerald Simmons (Executive Chairman and CEO), Dr. Hafiz Ur Rahman (President and Chief Scientist), and Arshad Mohammad (COO and CFO). As of 2024, MIFTI operates with a lean team of eight employees, including five in their Tustin office.

MIFTI has secured significant funding to support its research and development efforts. The company has raised $12 million to date, including $5.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Additional funds have come from family, friends, and environmentally conscious investors.

The company targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless fusion power using their innovative Staged Z-Pinch approach. MIFTI's technology also has potential applications in medical isotope production and space propulsion.

Key collaborators and partners include the University of Nevada, Reno National Terawatt Facility (UNR/NTF), the University of California, San Diego Nuclear Reactor Facility (UCSD/NRF), and L3 Harris Technologies. MIFTI is also collaborating with industry leader Bechtel to develop a preliminary design for their grid-ready MIFGEN Nuclear Fusion Power Plant.

In terms of recent innovations, MIFTI has made significant progress with their Staged Z-Pinch technology. They have achieved a world-first "material" number of fusion reactions, producing ten times more fusion reactions than expected based on earlier experiments. The company has also secured a patent for their "Nuclear fusion reactor with toroidal superconducting magnetic coils implementing inertial electrostatic heating."

MIFTI recently published groundbreaking results in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Applied Sciences, showcasing non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron-11 using high-power lasers. This publication has garnered attention in the scientific community and further validates their approach to fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

Magneto-Inertial Fusion Technologies, Inc. (MIFTI) is pioneering an innovative approach to fusion energy called the Staged Z-Pinch (SZP) concept, which falls under the broader category of magneto-inertial fusion (MIF).

Fusion Approach

MIFTI's Staged Z-Pinch approach combines aspects of magnetic confinement fusion and inertial confinement fusion. The process works as follows:

1. A fusible target is surrounded by a liner with a higher atomic number.
2. An intense, pulsed electrical current is applied, creating a powerful magnetic field.
3. This magnetic field compresses and heats the plasma target.
4. The liner collapses around the target, creating a shock front that preheats the plasma to approximately 100 eV.
5. Near stagnation time, compression of the magnetic field generates an extraordinarily high magnetic field (103 – 104 T).
6. This strong magnetic field "freezes" electrons along the field lines, leading to mass accumulation and robust adiabatic compression.

The SZP design specifically addresses plasma instabilities, a common challenge in fusion research. By using a two-component target with different atomic numbers, MIFTI's approach allows the shock front to develop faster than instabilities can grow, maintaining plasma stability long enough for fusion to occur.

Fuel Used

While MIFTI does not explicitly state their fuel choice, FIA suggests that it’s a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. These hydrogen isotopes are chosen for their relatively high fusion cross-section at achievable temperatures.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

MIFTI's energy capture approach, while not explicitly detailed, likely follows typical fusion energy capture methods:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

MIFTI is collaborating with industry leader Bechtel to develop a preliminary design for their grid-ready MIFGEN Nuclear Fusion Power Plant, which will implement this energy capture approach on a commercial scale.

By combining magnetic and inertial confinement techniques in their unique SZP configuration, MIFTI aims to create a more efficient and practical path to fusion energy, potentially revolutionizing the global energy landscape.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Magneto-Inertial Fusion Technologies, Inc. (MIFTI) has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing fusion energy using their innovative Staged Z-Pinch (SZP) approach. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Achieved a neutron yield of 10^11 in experiments at L3 Harris facilities, the highest level ever achieved by any private company in the world.
2. Completed plans for their first commercial machine, the Staged Z Pinch (SZP) LTD-X (linear transformer driver-X) 10 MegaAmp generator.
3. Advanced development of high-temperature superconducting magnets and liquid metal blankets, crucial components for their fusion reactor design.
4. Continued collaboration with industry leader Bechtel to develop a preliminary design for their grid-ready MIFGEN Nuclear Fusion Power Plant.
5. Conducted successful experiments at the University of California, San Diego, where their compact "Ceszar" device produced the required neutron indicators for a fusion reaction.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

While the exact MWe output is not specified (while FIA states it as 50 MWe), MIFTI's first prototype commercial generator is planned to be a 5 MW unit.

Demo Target Date

MIFTI has scheduled a decisive test, called Phase III, to be conducted at L3 Harris Technologies facilities in February 2024. During this test, the company hopes to achieve thermonuclear fusion-based net energy gain, known as "ignition".

Commercial Target Date

MIFTI aims to bring their revolutionary fusion technology to the global market within the next 5-7 years. With successful demonstration of their SZP technology, they plan to set the stage for commercial-scale power plants in this timeframe.

MIFTI's approach focuses on their patented Staged Z-Pinch technology, which they believe offers a more efficient and cost-effective path to fusion energy compared to other approaches. By leveraging their innovative design and collaborations with industry leaders, MIFTI is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the fusion energy revolution.

Marvel Fusion

Overview

Marvel Fusion, founded in June 2019, is a pioneering fusion energy company based in Munich, Germany. The company was established by co-founders Karl-Georg Schlesinger, Moritz von der Linden, Georg Korn, and Pasha Shabalin, with von der Linden serving as CEO and Korn as CTO.

As of 2024, Marvel Fusion employs between 51-200 people, showcasing significant growth since its inception. The company has secured substantial funding, raising over €120 million in equity investments and more than €150 million in public funding and cooperation projects. Their most recent funding round, a Series B closed in September 2024, raised €62.8 million.

Marvel Fusion targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, sustainable fusion power using their innovative laser-driven approach. Their technology focuses on non-thermal direct drive inertial confinement fusion using low-neutronic fuels.

Key collaborators and partners include Thales, TRUMPF, Siemens Energy, and academic institutions such as the Extreme Light Infrastructure for Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) in Romania, Colorado State University, and the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications in Germany.

Recent commercial innovations include the development of nanostructured fuel targets and advancements in high-power, short-pulse laser technology. Marvel Fusion has conducted successful experimental campaigns at various laser facilities worldwide, demonstrating key physics drivers of their fusion concept.

Marvel Fusion aims to demonstrate the core building blocks of its novel technology within 3 years, with plans to build the first commercial power plants in the 2030s.

Fusion Approach

Marvel Fusion is pioneering an innovative approach to fusion energy using laser-driven inertial confinement fusion. Their method differs significantly from conventional fusion approaches, focusing on non-thermal processes to achieve fusion conditions.

Fusion Approach

Marvel Fusion's approach involves several key elements:

1. Ultrashort, high-intensity laser pulses: The company uses femtosecond laser pulses, which are extremely short in duration but incredibly powerful.
2. Nanostructured fuel targets: These targets are designed to enhance the interaction between the laser pulses and the fuel material.
3. Non-thermal fusion process: Instead of heating the fuel to extreme temperatures, Marvel Fusion's approach precisely controls the conversion of laser energy into accelerated fuel particles.

The process works as follows:

1. The ultrashort laser pulse hits the nanostructured fuel target.
2. The laser energy is rapidly deposited, triggering fusion reactions before the target structure can disassemble.
3. The entire process happens so quickly that the particles are confined by their own inertia.

This approach leverages several physics effects not applicable in conventional fusion methods, including highly efficient laser energy absorption, controlled laser pulse propagation, and acceleration of fuel nuclei with non-thermal energy distributions.

Fuel Used

Marvel Fusion uses a combination of protons and boron-11 (pB11) as fuel for their fusion reactions. This aneutronic fuel choice offers several advantages:

1. Non-radioactive: The pB11 reaction produces minimal neutron radiation, reducing safety concerns and simplifying reactor design.
2. Abundant: Boron is readily available, making the fuel supply sustainable.
3. Clean: The reaction produces primarily alpha particles (helium nuclei), which are easier to handle than neutrons.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While Marvel Fusion's specific energy capture method is not specified, we can infer the following based on their approach:

1. Direct energy conversion: The fusion reactions produce charged particles (primarily alpha particles), which can potentially be converted directly into electricity without the need for thermal cycles.
2. Repetitive operation: The system is designed to operate at high repetition rates, with new fuel targets being irradiated and ignited several times per second. This allows for adjustable energy output by controlling the rate of target injections and laser pulses.
3. Modular plant design: Marvel Fusion aims to build power plants in the GW range using a modular approach, which could allow for scalable energy production.

By combining innovative laser technology with nanostructured fuel targets, Marvel Fusion aims to create a more efficient and practical path to fusion energy, potentially revolutionizing clean energy production.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Marvel Fusion, a pioneering laser-driven fusion company based in Munich, Germany, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Secured €62.8 million ($70.3 million) in a Series B funding round to support technology development for a commercial fusion power plant.
2. Selected by the European Innovation Council to receive a €2.5 million grant and up to €15 million in equity investment through the EIC Accelerator program.
3. Broke ground on a $150 million laser facility called ATLAS at Colorado State University on October 16, 2024.
4. Advanced development of nanostructured fuel targets, with several designs produced for future testing.
5. Continued experimental campaigns at laser facilities in Colorado State University, Centre for Advanced Laser Applications in Germany, Texas Petawatt Laser, and Extreme Light Infrastructure Nuclear Physics in Romania.

Future Plans

1. Complete construction of the ATLAS facility at Colorado State University by 2026, which will house two 100-Joule lasers to prove Marvel's core technology.
2. Develop a larger test facility with 20 lasers in 2028 or 2029 to further advance the technology.
3. Finalize the first fusion prototype around 2032 or 2033, containing hundreds of kilojoule-class lasers firing about 10 times per second.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA states the anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility to be around 300-800 MWe.

Demo Target Date

Marvel Fusion aims to have its ATLAS facility at Colorado State University operational by early 2027, which will serve as a key demonstration of their technology.

Commercial Target Date

While a specific commercial target date is not mentioned, Marvel Fusion is working towards developing its first fusion prototype by 2032 or 2033. Based on industry trends, the company likely aims to bring fusion to commercial viability in the mid-2030s.

N.T. Tao

Overview

NT-Tao, founded in 2022, is an innovative nuclear fusion energy company based in Israel. The company was co-founded by Oded Gour-Lavie (CEO), Doron Weinfeld, and Boaz Weinfeld, with the mission of developing a compact and scalable fusion energy solution.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, NT-Tao has been rapidly growing its team since emerging from stealth in 2022. The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $28 million as of February 2023. This includes a $22 million Series A round led by Delek US, Next Gear Ventures, and Mayer Cars & Trucks Group, with participation from Honda, the Grantham Foundation, J-IMPACT, East Innovate, and OurCrowd.

NT-Tao targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, sustainable fusion power using their innovative compact reactor design. Their technology focuses on high-density plasma fusion, which they claim can achieve 1000 times higher density than other leading solutions under development.

Key collaborators and partners include Honda, through their Honda Xcelerator program, and Princeton University's Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, where NT-Tao has joined the E-ffiliates partnership program.

Recent innovations include the development of a "Critical Angular Momentum Plasma Stabilizer," a core component of their proprietary Super Stabilized Confined Plasma (SSCP) technology.

NT-Tao aims to achieve energy breakeven and commercialize its fusion technology within this decade, positioning itself as a potential game-changer in the global race to harness fusion energy for sustainable power generation.

Fusion Approach

NT-Tao is developing an innovative fusion approach that combines elements of both tokamak and stellarator technologies, aiming to create a compact and efficient fusion reactor.

Fusion Approach

NT-Tao's fusion approach, called Super Stabilized Confined Plasma (SSCP), involves several key elements:

1. Hybrid magnetic confinement: The reactor uses a combination of tokamak and stellarator designs to create a unique magnetic topology for plasma confinement.
2. Ultra-fast heating technology: This proprietary method allows NT-Tao to achieve plasma densities 1000 times higher than other leading solutions.
3. Critical Angular Momentum Plasma Stabilizer: This core component helps maintain plasma stability within the reactor.
4. Dynamic Stabilized Torus: This design holds a unique plasma regime, allowing for high-density, super-fast heating, and reduced confinement time.

The process works as follows:

1. Hydrogen is heated into a plasma state using the ultra-fast heating technology.
2. The plasma is confined within a doughnut-shaped chamber using powerful magnets.
3. The hybrid magnetic confinement system keeps the plasma stable and away from the reactor walls.
4. The high-density plasma enables more efficient fusion reactions, potentially yielding a fusion reaction that is 1,000,000 times stronger than conventional approaches.

Fuel Used

NT-Tao uses hydrogen isotopes as fuel for their fusion reactions. While not explicitly stated, fusion reactors typically use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. These isotopes of hydrogen are chosen for their relatively high fusion cross-section at achievable temperatures.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

NT-Tao uses Lithium neutron ‘blanket’ energy capture method. Here’s how it works:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

NT-Tao aims to create compact fusion reactors capable of generating 10-20 MW of electricity, with each unit being about the size of a shipping container. This modular approach allows for scalability and flexibility in deployment, making it suitable for various applications from powering small towns to industrial facilities and off-grid locations.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

NT-Tao, an innovative fusion energy startup based in Israel, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing compact fusion reactors. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Expanded facilities to include three state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as assembly, power electronics, magnets, and other working areas.
2. Advanced development of their proprietary Super Stabilized Confined Plasma (SSCP) technology, which combines elements of tokamak and stellarator designs.
3. Continued optimization of their ultra-fast heating technology for high-density plasma, a key component of their compact fusion approach.
4. Strengthened partnerships and collaborations, including ongoing work with Honda through their investment relationship.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

NT-Tao is developing a compact fusion reactor designed to generate 10-20 MW of electricity.

Demo Target Date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned explicitly, NT-Tao aims to build a working prototype in the next few years, with the hope of having a solution in production by the end of the decade.

Commercial Target Date

NT-Tao is working towards commercializing its fusion technology within this decade, aiming for deployment in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

NT-Tao's approach focuses on developing a compact, scalable fusion reactor that could be about the size of a shipping container. This modular design aims to provide clean fusion energy for various applications, from powering small towns to industrial facilities and off-grid locations.

Xcimer Energy

Overview

Xcimer Energy, founded in 2022, is an innovative inertial fusion energy company based in Denver, Colorado, with an additional office in Redwood City, California. The company was co-founded by Conner Galloway, who serves as CEO and Chief Science Officer, and Alexander Valys.

As of 2024, Xcimer has grown to a team of over 45 employees, including engineers, scientists, and technicians from diverse backgrounds such as aerospace, academic research, national laboratories, and high-performance computing.

The company has secured significant funding, raising $100 million in a Series A round in June 2024, led by Hedosophia, with participation from investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, Prelude Ventures, Emerson Collective, Gigascale Capital, and Starlight Ventures. This brings their total funding to $110.25 million.

Xcimer Energy targets the global energy market, aiming to commercialize inertial fusion energy for power generation. Their focus is on developing a laser-driven inertial fusion system designed to provide clean, sustainable energy solutions.

Key collaborators and partners include U.S. national laboratories, academic institutions, and private industry. Xcimer is also a member of all three inertial fusion energy hubs created by the U.S. Department of Energy's Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerated Research (IFE-STAR) initiative.

Recent innovations include the development of a novel laser architecture that aims to produce up to 10 times higher laser energy at 10 times higher efficiency and over 30 times lower cost per joule than the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system. Xcimer has filed at least one patent, with topics including particle physics and physics institutes.

Fusion Approach

Xcimer Energy is developing an innovative approach to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) that aims to make fusion energy commercially viable. Their method combines advanced laser technology with proven fusion science to achieve efficient and cost-effective fusion reactions.

Fusion Approach

Xcimer's approach uses a laser-driven inertial fusion system:

1. Two powerful excimer lasers generate intense pulses of light, each delivering megajoules of energy.
2. These laser beams are directed through small gaps in a "waterfall" of molten salt inside a vacuum chamber.
3. The lasers converge on a tiny fuel pellet (about the size of a ball bearing) at the center of the chamber.
4. When the lasers hit the target, they compress the fuel to extreme temperatures and pressures in billionths of a second.
5. This compression triggers a burst of fusion energy, creating a fully ignited and self-sustained burning plasma.
6. The process is repeated every couple of seconds, with new fuel pellets being injected into the chamber.

Xcimer's laser architecture is designed to produce up to 10 times higher laser energy at 10 times higher efficiency and over 30 times lower cost per joule than the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system.

Fuel Used

Xcimer uses a combination of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel for their fusion reactions. The deuterium is extracted from ordinary water, while tritium can be bred from lithium, which is abundantly found in the Earth's crust.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Xcimer's energy capture method involves several steps:

1. A "waterfall" of molten salt flows inside the fusion chamber, protecting the walls from direct exposure to fusion bursts.
2. This molten salt absorbs the heat generated by the fusion reactions.
3. The heated molten salt is then circulated out of the chamber to carry the thermal energy.
4. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives conventional turbines to generate electricity.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture while also providing protection for the reactor components, potentially extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Xcimer Energy, an innovative inertial fusion energy company, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Raised $100 million in Series A financing led by Hedosophia, with participation from investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, and others.
2. Established a new facility in Denver to build a prototype laser system, including the world's largest nonlinear optical pulse compression system.
3. Expanded the technical team in Denver, hiring Giovanni Greco as senior vice president of engineering to lead the design, development, and manufacturing of the prototype laser system.
4. Advanced development of their proprietary laser architecture, designed to produce up to 10 times higher laser energy at 10 times higher efficiency and over 30 times lower cost per joule than the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system.
5. Continued involvement in all three inertial fusion energy hubs created by the U.S. Department of Energy's IFE-STAR initiative.

Future Path

Xcimer Energy is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. Build and test the prototype laser system at their new Denver facility.
2. Demonstrate the viability of their low-cost, high-energy laser approach for inertial fusion energy.
3. Develop low-cost target fabrication, chamber, and plant systems to enable final design and construction of a Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP) in the early 2030s.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA estimates the anticipated MWe output of Xcimer Energy's first commercial operating facility to be around 300MWe to 2GWe.

Demo Target Date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Xcimer's development plan aims at key milestones of demonstrating high fusion gain and commercial energy breakeven. Based on their timeline for the Fusion Pilot Plant, a demonstration might be expected in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Commercial Target Date

Xcimer Energy is working towards enabling FPP final design and construction in the early 2030s. The FPP will demonstrate extended operation of all integrated plant systems and deliver electricity to the grid, enabling construction of a series of full-scale commercial plants to follow. This suggests a commercial target date in the mid to late 2030s.

Renaissance Fusion

Overview

Renaissance Fusion, founded in July 2020, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Grenoble, France, with an additional office in Houston, Texas. The company was co-founded by Francesco Volpe and Martin Kupp, with Volpe serving as the CEO.

As of 2023, Renaissance Fusion has grown to a team of 20 employees, with plans to triple its size to 60 people by the end of the year. The company has secured significant funding, raising €15 million ($16.4 million) in a seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital in June 2022. Other investors include HCVC, Positron Ventures, Norssken VC, and Unruly Capital.

Renaissance Fusion targets the global energy market, aiming to develop and sell small fusion reactors with a 1 GWe capacity to plant constructors and operators by the 2030s. Their focus is on creating stellarator-type fusion reactors using innovative technologies.

Key collaborators and partners include various national and international laboratories in Grenoble, such as ESRF, ILL, CEA Leti, and CNRS. The company is also strategically located near other technological hubs like Geneva, Lausanne, Turin, Saclay, and Paris.

Recent innovations include the development of liquid metal technology for reactor shielding and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils for generating strong magnetic fields. In March and April 2022, Renaissance Fusion filed 11 patent families related to these technologies.

Fusion Approach

Renaissance Fusion is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy using a stellarator design, which offers several advantages over other fusion reactor concepts.

Fusion Approach

Renaissance Fusion's approach involves the following key elements:

1. Stellarator design: This type of fusion reactor uses a complex magnetic field configuration to confine and stabilize the plasma. Stellarators offer inherent stability compared to tokamaks, allowing for continuous operation.
2. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils: These coils generate the strong magnetic fields necessary to contain the plasma. Renaissance Fusion is using advanced laser techniques to shape these coils precisely, improving efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
3. Liquid metal walls: The reactor uses plasma-facing liquid metal walls that serve multiple purposes:
• Shielding solid components and personnel from radioactivity
• Extracting heat from the fusion reactions
• Breeding tritium fuel
4. Modular design: Renaissance Fusion is developing self-contained, all-inclusive modules that can be mass-produced and easily assembled on-site, similar to the approach that made solar energy scalable.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, FIA states that Renaissance uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is bred within the reactor using lithium in the liquid metal walls.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Renaissance Fusion's energy capture method involves several steps:

1. Heat extraction: The liquid metal walls capture heat from the fusion reactions, primarily carried by neutrons.
2. Heat transfer: The heated liquid metal transfers heat to a secondary fluid, likely supercritical CO2.
3. Steam generation: The heat is then used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines in a Brayton-Rankine combined cycle power plant, achieving up to 51% efficiency in converting heat to electricity.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture while also providing essential functions like tritium breeding and reactor component protection.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Renaissance Fusion, a pioneering fusion energy startup based in Grenoble, France, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing stellarator fusion reactors. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Expanded team to 43 employees from 13 different nationalities, tripling in size as planned.
2. Advanced development of their proprietary high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coil technology and liquid metal shielding for stellarators.
3. Continued work on simplifying stellarator design through innovative manufacturing processes, including direct deposition and patterning of HTS coils.
4. Secured an "Innovative Nuclear Reactors" grant through the France2030 program to further support their research and development efforts.

Future Plans

Renaissance Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. By 2024, the company aims to finalize the engineering of its two key technologies: HTS coils and liquid metal shielding.
2. Following proof of concept, Renaissance Fusion plans to construct an experimental reactor to demonstrate net energy gain.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

Renaissance Fusion plans to develop a small fusion reactor with a 1 GWe (1000 MWe) capacity.

Demo Target Date

According to FIA a demonstration reactor might be expected around 2032.

Commercial Target Date

Renaissance Fusion aims to inaugurate its first commercial reactor with a power of 1 GWe, capable of injecting electricity into the grid, at the beginning of the 2030s.

Thea Energy (formerly Princeton Stellarators)

Overview

Thea Energy, formerly known as Princeton Stellarators, is an innovative fusion energy company founded in 2022. The company was established by a team of fusion experts from Princeton University, including co-founders Nat Fisch, a professor of astrophysical sciences, and Michael Zarnstorff, former chief scientist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

Based in Princeton, New Jersey, Thea Energy has grown rapidly since its inception. While the exact number of employees is not specified, the company has been actively recruiting talent from various fields to support its ambitious goals.

Thea Energy has secured significant funding to drive its fusion research and development. In July 2023, the company raised $20 million in a Series A funding round led by Prelude Ventures, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Mercator Partners, and Segue Ventures.

The company targets the global energy market, aiming to develop compact stellarator fusion reactors for clean, sustainable power generation. Thea Energy's focus is on creating smaller, more efficient fusion devices that could potentially be deployed in various settings, from urban areas to remote locations.

Key collaborators and partners include Princeton University and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, leveraging their extensive expertise in fusion research. The company also maintains collaborations with other research institutions and industry partners to advance its fusion technology.

Recent innovations include the development of advanced stellarator designs that aim to improve plasma confinement and stability. Thea Energy has also made progress in optimizing the shape of magnetic fields within their reactors, a critical factor in achieving fusion conditions.

Fusion Approach

Thea Energy, formerly known as Princeton Stellarators, is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy using a unique stellarator design. Their method aims to simplify the complex nature of traditional stellarators while maintaining their benefits.

Fusion Approach

Thea Energy's fusion approach involves several key elements:

1. Stellarator design: This type of fusion reactor uses a magnetic field configuration to confine and stabilize the plasma in a doughnut-shaped chamber.
2. Planar coil array: Instead of using intricate 3D magnet coils, Thea Energy's design employs an array of small, simple, planar electromagnetic coils.
3. Software-controlled magnetic fields: Each planar coil is individually controlled by software, allowing for precise shaping of the magnetic field.
4. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets: These magnets generate the strong magnetic fields necessary to contain the plasma.

The process works as follows:

1. The planar coil array creates a magnetic field that confines the plasma in a stellarator configuration.
2. By adjusting the strength of individual magnets, the system can create the precise magnetic fields needed for fusion, mimicking the effects of more complex 3D coils.
3. This approach transfers complexity from hardware to software, taking advantage of recent advances in computing technology.

Fuel Used

For their main fusion reactor design, Thea Energy likely uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel, which is typical for most fusion approaches. However, for their intermediate step project called Eos, a neutron source, they plan to use only deuterium as fuel.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

As per NIA, Thea Energy's energy capture method is Lithium neutron ‘blanket’. Here’s how it works:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

Thea Energy is planning to build a pilot-scale reactor later this decade and a larger scale, 350-megawatt demonstration plant in the 2030s. Their goal is to produce power at competitive rates when their commercial offering is connected to the grid.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Thea Energy, formerly known as Princeton Stellarators, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy using innovative stellarator technology. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Secured $20 million in Series A financing led by Prelude Ventures, with participation from investors including 11.2 Capital, Anglo American, Hitachi Ventures, and others.
2. Advanced development of proprietary superconducting planar coil magnet array systems.
3. Progressed in the design and simulation of Eos, Thea Energy's large-scale integrated neutron source stellarator system.
4. Expanded team with fusion and commercialization experts.
5. Continued participation in the Department of Energy's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.

Future Plans

1. Construct and operate proprietary superconducting planar coil magnet array systems at scale.
2. Further develop Eos, the large-scale integrated neutron source stellarator system.
3. Design and build a larger machine called Helios, intended to generate electricity for the grid.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA estimates Thea Energy’s anticipated MWe output of Thea Energy's first commercial operating facility to be more than 200 MWe.

Demo Target Date

Thea Energy is planning to build a pilot-scale reactor later this decade and a larger scale, 350-megawatt demonstration plant in the 2030s.

Commercial Target Date

Thea Energy is planning to build a pilot-scale reactor later this decade and a larger scale, 350-megawatt demonstration plant in the 2030s. Based on this timeline, we can infer that the company is targeting commercial deployment in the mid to late 2030s.

Realta Fusion

Overview

Realta Fusion is an innovative fusion energy startup founded in 2022 as a spin-out from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The company was established by a team including Professor Cary Forest and Dr. Jay Anderson, who serves as a co-founder and Senior Scientist.

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Realta Fusion operates with a small team of 2-10 employees as of 2024. The company has secured significant funding to drive its fusion research and development, including a successful seed financing round of $9 million led by Khosla Ventures in May 2023.

Realta Fusion targets the industrial heat and power market, aiming to develop modular, compact magnetic mirror fusion energy generators as a low-cost and less complex path to commercially competitive fusion energy. Their focus is on decarbonizing industrial process heat and electrical power production.

Key collaborators and partners include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Realta continues to fund and staff the ongoing Wisconsin HTS Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) project through a sponsored research agreement. The company also collaborates with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), which designed and manufactured the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets used in their experiments.

Recent innovations include the successful application of the highest ever steady magnetic field (17 Tesla) in a fusion plasma experiment, achieved in partnership with researchers from the University of Wisconsin in July 2024. This milestone demonstrates the potential of compact magnetic mirror technology for fusion energy systems.

Fusion Approach

Realta Fusion is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy using a magnetic mirror concept. This method aims to create a compact, efficient fusion reactor for industrial heat and power applications.

Fusion Approach

Realta's fusion approach involves several key elements:

1. Magnetic mirror confinement: The reactor uses two high-field superconducting magnets at either end of a cylindrical chamber to create a "magnetic bottle" that confines the plasma.
2. Mirror effect: The strong magnetic fields cause charged particles to bounce back and forth between the magnets, keeping the plasma contained.
3. Advanced plasma heating: The system employs patented ion and electron RF heating combined with high energy neutral particle injection to optimize plasma performance.
4. High-field magnets: Realta utilizes high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets to generate extremely strong magnetic fields, with their experiment achieving the highest ever steady magnetic field (17 Tesla) in a fusion plasma.

This approach allows for continuous operation with limited downtime and is designed to be upgrade-friendly.

Fuel Used

Realta Fusion likely uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. These are isotopes of hydrogen, which is described as "practically limitless" and found in seawater.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Realta Fusion's energy capture method is focused on industrial heat applications:

1. Direct heat production: The fusion reactions generate intense heat, which can be directly utilized for industrial processes such as chemical refining, metal smelting, and other high-temperature applications.
2. Continuous operation: The reactor is designed to run 24/7, making it suitable for industries that require constant high-temperature heat.
3. Neutron utilization: The reactor can also serve as a volumetric neutron source (VNS), which has applications in space, defense, and medical isotope production.
4. Potential electricity generation: While the primary focus is on industrial heat, the system could potentially be adapted for electricity production in the future.

By targeting industrial heat applications, Realta Fusion aims to address a significant source of carbon emissions while providing a more immediate market for fusion technology compared to electricity generation.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Realta Fusion, a fusion energy startup based in Madison, Wisconsin, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy using a magnetic mirror approach. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Achieved first plasma on July 15, 2024, in the Wisconsin HTS Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) experiment.
2. Successfully applied the highest ever steady magnetic field (17 Tesla) in a fusion plasma experiment, marking a major milestone towards commercial fusion energy.
3. Signed a formal partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy in June 2024, including funding for the first phase of the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
4. Continued to fund and staff the ongoing WHAM project through a sponsored research agreement with the University of Wisconsin.
5. Advanced development of their compact magnetic mirror fusion technology, leveraging recent advances in superconducting technology and plasma stability control.

Future Plans

1. Demonstrate technical progress towards a commercially feasible compact magnetic mirror fusion energy system over a five-year timeline.
2. Develop a design for a fusion pilot plant as part of the DOE's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
3. Engage with communities to earn a social license for fusion and develop the future workforce the industry needs.
4. Address key scientific questions, including improving plasma stability and confinement.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

According to FIA, Realta Fusion’s anticipated MWe output of Realta Fusion's first commercial operating facility is around 100 MWe.

Demo Target Date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Realta Fusion is working within a five-year timeline to demonstrate technical progress towards a commercially feasible system.

Commercial Target Date

Realta Fusion aims to develop modular, compact magnetic mirror fusion energy generators as the fastest path to full-scale commercialization. However, a specific commercial target date is not announce.

Nearstar Fusion

Overview

NearStar Fusion, founded in 2021, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia. The company was established by Dr. Doug Witherspoon, who serves as the Founder, President and Chief Scientist, along with co-founder Chris Faranetta, who is the Vice President.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, NearStar Fusion operates with a team of physicists and engineers dedicated to developing their unique fusion approach. The company has secured significant funding to drive its research and development, including a $75,000 Commonwealth Commercialization Fund grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation in 2023 and a $50,000 grant from the Fairfax Founders Fund in November 2023. Additionally, NearStar Fusion was awarded a Phase I SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation in August 2023.

NearStar Fusion targets the global energy market, aiming to provide clean, compact, and resilient fusion energy. Their technology also has potential applications in interplanetary spacecraft propulsion. The company's objective is to simplify fusion technology using mostly off-the-shelf equipment and materials to expedite the development path to practical fusion energy.

Key collaborators and partners include the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives, and the National Science Foundation. NearStar Fusion is also part of the growing fusion industry ecosystem in Fairfax County.

Recent innovations include the development of a new pulsed approach to fusion energy called Magnetized Target Impact Fusion (MTIF), which builds on successful methods of imploding metallic liners to create fusion. The company is currently working on designing, modeling, and demonstrating the operation of a plasma side injector, a critical component of their technology.

Fusion Approach

NearStar Fusion is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy called Magnetized Target Impact Fusion (MTIF). This method combines elements of both inertial confinement fusion and magnetic confinement fusion to achieve fusion conditions.

Fusion Approach

The MTIF approach involves several key steps:

1. A hypervelocity plasma railgun accelerates a projectile to extremely high speeds.
2. This projectile impacts a fuel target about the size of a golf ball.
3. The fuel target is surrounded by a magnetic field, which NearStar calls their "magic sauce."
4. The combination of the high-speed impact and the magnetic field creates fusion conditions.
5. This process results in a miniature fusion reaction, releasing energy.

The system operates in a pulsed mode, with impacts occurring approximately once per second. This approach aims to simplify the fusion process by avoiding the need to maintain a steady-state plasma, which is a significant challenge in other fusion approaches.

Fuel Used

NearStar Fusion uses deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fuel for their fusion reactions. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from seawater, making it an abundant and widely available fuel source. By using D-D fuel instead of deuterium-tritium (D-T), NearStar avoids the complexities associated with tritium breeding, handling, and storage.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

NearStar Fusion's energy capture method involves several steps:

1. The fusion reaction releases energy in the form of heat and particles.
2. This energy is absorbed by a surrounding molten salt blanket.
3. The heated molten salt is pumped through a heat exchanger.
4. The heat exchanger uses the thermal energy to boil water into steam.
5. The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

This approach allows for efficient energy capture while also providing a means to manage the intense heat produced by the fusion reactions. The use of molten salt as a heat transfer medium is a proven technology in other energy applications, which could help simplify the development and implementation of NearStar's fusion power plants.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

NearStar Fusion, a fusion energy startup based in Chantilly, Virginia, has made notable progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy using their Magnetized Target Impact Fusion (MTIF) approach. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Received a $50,000 grant from the Fairfax Founders Fund in November 2023 to support their fusion technology development.
2. Awarded a Phase I SBIR grant of $265,000 from the National Science Foundation in September 2023 to advance their fusion research.
3. Advanced the design and computational modeling of their plasma side injector, a critical component of their MTIF technology.
4. Continued development of their hypervelocity plasma railgun, designed to accelerate 50-gram projectiles to 10 km/s for fusion reactions.
5. Expanded collaborations with industry partners and research institutions to further their fusion technology.

Future Plans

NearStar Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. Complete the design, build, and experimental demonstration of their plasma side injector.
2. Further develop and optimize their MTIF approach, focusing on the magnetized fuel target and impact fusion process.
3. Continue to leverage mostly off-the-shelf equipment and materials to expedite the development path to practical fusion energy.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

Based on the available information, NearStar Fusion's first commercial power plant is expected to deliver 50-100 MWe of electricity to the grid.

Demo Target Date

While a specific demo target date is not announced, NearStar Fusion aims to simplify fusion technology and expedite the development path. Given the typical timelines in the fusion industry, a demonstration might be expected in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Commercial Target Date

NearStar Fusion's goal is to develop a fusion power plant in as little as 10 years. This suggests they are aiming for commercial deployment in the early to mid-2030s, aligning with the broader fusion industry's goals for bringing fusion energy to the grid.

Acceleron Fusion (formerly NK Labs)

Overview

Acceleron Fusion, formerly known as NK Labs, is an innovative fusion energy company founded in August 2023. The company was established by Ara Knaian, who serves as the Co-Founder and CEO. Knaian brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including co-founding NK Labs in 2012 and working as a Research Scientist at MIT.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Acceleron Fusion operates with a small team of 2-10 employees as of 2024 has raised close to $40 million.

Acceleron Fusion likely targets the global energy market, aiming to develop fusion technology for clean and sustainable power generation. However, specific target markets are not mentioned in the available information.

Fusion Approach

Acceleron Fusion, formerly known as NK Labs, is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy called muon-catalyzed fusion. This method differs significantly from traditional fusion approaches by operating at much lower temperatures.

Fusion Approach

Acceleron's muon-catalyzed fusion process works as follows:

1. Muon production: An intense, high-efficiency muon source produces beams of muons using less energy than current facilities.
2. Muon replacement: These muons replace electrons in the fuel atoms, creating muonic atoms.
3. Fusion catalysis: Due to their greater mass, muons bring the nuclei close enough to fuse at much lower temperatures than traditional fusion approaches.
4. Reaction cycling: Each muon can potentially catalyze multiple fusion reactions before decaying.
5. High-density fusion cell: Acceleron is developing a cell to allow each muon to catalyze more fusion reactions than previously demonstrated.

This approach allows fusion to occur at temperatures below 1,000°C, compared to the 100 million°C required by traditional plasma-based fusion methods.

Fuel Used

Acceleron Fusion uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (DT) as fuel. In October 2024, they ran their machine with highly compressed DT fuel, capturing data on 28 hours of continuous fusion after more than 100 hours of testing with deuterium alone.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details of Acceleron's energy capture method are not provided, we can infer the following based on typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Heat generation: The fusion reactions produce heat.
2. Heat transfer: This heat is likely captured by a surrounding medium, possibly a molten salt or other coolant.
3. Steam generation: The captured heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity production: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Acceleron aims to achieve a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.025/kWh, which would make it more economical than current natural gas power plants.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Acceleron Fusion, formerly known as NK Labs, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing muon-catalyzed fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Secured $24 million in Series A funding co-led by Lowercarbon Capital and Collaborative Fund in December 2024.
2. Achieved a significant technical milestone in October 2024 by running their fusion machine with highly compressed deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel.
3. Captured data on 28 hours of continuous fusion after more than 100 hours of testing with deuterium alone.
4. Continued development of their intense, high-efficiency muon source and high-density fusion cell.
5. Utilized the High Intensity Proton Accelerator and Swiss Muon Source at the Paul Scherrer Institute for experiments.

Future Plans

Acceleron Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. Accelerate R&D efforts and grow their team with the new funding.
2. Develop prototypes of key reactor components.
3. Further optimize their muon-catalyzed fusion technology to achieve higher fusion reaction rates per muon.
4. Work towards demonstrating a viable commercial prototype.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA estimates the anticipated MWe output of Acceleron Fusion's first commercial operating facility to be about 100MWe.

Demo Target Date

FIA estimates a demo target date for a pilot plant to be around 2032.

Commercial Target Date

Acceleron Fusion is targeting a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.025/kWh, which would make it more economical than current natural gas power plants. However, a specific commercial target date is not announced.

Neo Fusion

Overview

Neo Fusion is an innovative fusion energy company founded in 2022. The company was established by a team of experienced fusion scientists and engineers, though specific founder names are not provided in the available information.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Neo Fusion operates with a small team of approximately 10-20 employees as of 2024. While exact funding details are not specified, the company has secured initial investment to support its research and development efforts in fusion energy.

Neo Fusion targets the global clean energy market, aiming to develop compact fusion reactors for sustainable power generation. Their technology focuses on advanced stellarator designs that aim to improve plasma confinement and stability.

Key collaborators likely include academic institutions in the Cambridge area, though specific partnerships are not mentioned in the available information.

Recent innovations from Neo Fusion include advancements in their stellarator design, particularly in optimizing the magnetic field configuration for improved plasma performance. The company is working on developing high-temperature superconducting magnets for their fusion reactor concept.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Neo Fusion's team of experienced fusion scientists suggests ongoing research activities that may lead to future publications in the field of fusion energy.

Neo Fusion aims to demonstrate key components of their fusion technology within the next few years, with plans to develop a pilot-scale reactor in the coming decade. The company is positioning itself as part of the growing ecosystem of private fusion energy ventures working to bring commercial fusion power to reality.

Fusion Approach

Neo Fusion is developing an advanced stellarator approach to fusion energy. While specific details about their technology are not provided, we can infer the following based on typical stellarator designs:

Fusion Approach

Neo Fusion's stellarator likely uses a complex arrangement of magnetic coils to create a twisted magnetic field that confines and stabilizes the plasma. This approach aims to overcome some of the challenges faced by tokamak designs, potentially allowing for steady-state operation. The magnetic field configuration is carefully optimized to improve plasma confinement and stability.

Key elements of their approach may include:

1. Advanced superconducting magnets to generate strong magnetic fields
2. Optimized magnetic field geometry to enhance plasma performance
3. Sophisticated plasma heating and fueling systems

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Neo Fusion, fusion reactors typically use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The energy capture method for Neo Fusion's stellarator design is likely similar to other fusion concepts:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

Neo Fusion aims to develop compact fusion reactors for sustainable power generation, potentially allowing for deployment in various settings. Their work on optimizing magnetic field configurations and developing high-temperature superconducting magnets suggests a focus on improving efficiency and reducing the size of fusion reactors.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Neo Fusion, a Chinese fusion energy startup, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Secured substantial strategic investment, elevating Neo Fusion to unicorn status.
2. Increased registered capital from an initial 5 billion yuan ($700 million) to 14.5 billion yuan.
3. Gained new investors including China National Petroleum Corporation and Hefei Science Island, each holding a 20% stake.
4. Advanced development of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) facility.
5. Continued work on showcasing electricity generation through fusion energy for the first time.

Future Plans

Neo Fusion is pursuing an ambitious roadmap for fusion energy development:

1. Complete construction and begin operations of the BEST facility.
2. Demonstrate electricity generation through fusion energy.
3. Continue to leverage partnerships with state-owned enterprises and research institutions to advance fusion technology.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

I could not find specific information about the anticipated MWe output of Neo Fusion's first commercial operating facility.

Demo Target Date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Neo Fusion's rapid progress and substantial funding suggest they are working towards a near-term demonstration of their fusion technology.

Commercial Target Date

Neo Fusion has not provided a specific commercial target date. However, given China's inclusion of nuclear fusion in its future energy technology roadmap and the company's significant funding, Neo Fusion is likely aiming for commercial deployment in line with global fusion industry goals of the 2030s.

F Energy

Overview

F Energy is a fusion energy company founded in 2022. The company is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was established by a team of experienced fusion scientists and engineers from MIT.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, F Energy likely operates with a small team of 10-20 employees typical of early-stage fusion startups. The company has secured initial funding, though specific amounts are not provided in the available information.

F Energy targets the global clean energy market, aiming to develop compact fusion reactors for sustainable power generation. Their technology likely focuses on advanced tokamak designs leveraging high-temperature superconducting magnets.

Key collaborators include MIT and the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories, particularly through programs like INFUSE that facilitate public-private partnerships in fusion research.

Recent innovations from F Energy include advancements in high-field tokamak design and superconducting magnet technology. The company is working on developing key components for their fusion reactor concept.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, F Energy's team of experienced fusion scientists suggests ongoing research activities that may lead to future publications in the field of fusion energy.

F Energy aims to demonstrate key components of their fusion technology within the next few years, with plans to develop a pilot-scale reactor in the coming decade. The company is positioning itself as part of the growing ecosystem of private fusion energy ventures working to bring commercial fusion power to reality.

Fusion Approach

F Energy uses Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) as its fusion approach. Here’s how it works:

Fusion Approach

F Energy likely uses a magnetic confinement fusion approach, possibly a tokamak or stellarator design. In this method:

1. A strong magnetic field confines and shapes a plasma of fusion fuel.
2. The plasma is heated to extremely high temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius) using various heating methods.
3. At these temperatures, the fuel nuclei overcome their electrostatic repulsion and fuse, releasing energy.

Fuel Used

F Energy most likely uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel, which is the most common approach in fusion research. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is typically bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The energy capture method for F Energy's fusion reactor is likely similar to other fusion concepts:

1. Neutron absorption: The D-T fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons.
2. Heat generation: These neutrons are absorbed by a surrounding blanket, generating heat.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Additionally, the reactor may incorporate a lithium blanket to breed tritium fuel, ensuring a self-sustaining fuel cycle.

It's important to note that without specific information about F Energy's proprietary technology, this explanation is based on general fusion principles and common approaches in the field.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

For fusion energy companies in general, 2024 has seen some notable progress:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Several fusion companies have secured significant funding, with investments in the sector continuing to grow.
2. Advancements in key technologies like high-temperature superconducting magnets and plasma confinement have been reported by various firms.
3. Some companies have achieved important experimental milestones, such as higher plasma temperatures or improved confinement times.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA estimates Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility to be ~300MW.

Demo target date

Most fusion companies are aiming for demonstration reactors in the late 2020s to early 2030s.

Commercial target date

The general industry goal for commercial fusion power plants is in the 2030s to early 2040s.

However, it's important to emphasize that these are general industry trends and may not reflect F Energy's specific plans or achievements.

Proxima Fusion

Overview

Proxima Fusion, founded in 2023, is an innovative fusion energy startup based in Munich, Germany. The company was established by a team of fusion experts, including Dr. Francesco Sciortino, who serves as the Co-Founder and CEO.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, Proxima Fusion has been actively expanding its team, recruiting top engineers and physicists to support its ambitious goals.

The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $29.76 million. This includes a €20 million ($21.7 million) seed funding round in April 2024, led by investors such as Unternehmertum Venture Capital, Wilbe Group, Visionaries Club, Plural, and High-Tech Grunderfonds.

Proxima Fusion targets the global energy market, aiming to develop the first generation of fusion power plants using quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarators. Their focus is on creating clean, safe, and abundant fusion energy for grid deployment.

Key collaborators and partners include the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and various energy companies and technology suppliers across Europe. The company leverages the expertise behind the record-breaking Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator experiment at IPP.

Recent innovations include the development of StarFinder, a cloud-based stellarator optimization and design framework that allows for rapid iteration on QI stellarator designs. Proxima Fusion is also advancing AI-driven design for QI stellarators and working on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Proxima Fusion's strong ties to academic institutions and ongoing research suggest active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of stellarator fusion technology.

Fusion Approach

Proxima Fusion is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy using quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarators. Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

Proxima Fusion's QI stellarator design uses a complex arrangement of magnetic coils to create a twisted magnetic field that confines and stabilizes the plasma. Key elements include:

1. Toroidal current cancellation: The QI stellarator design causes toroidal currents to cancel out to zero, reducing current-driven instabilities and improving plasma stability.
2. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets: These generate the strong magnetic fields necessary to contain the plasma.
3. Continuous operation: Unlike tokamaks, stellarators can be designed to run stably in continuous operation, offering significant operational benefits.
4. Advanced computing and AI: Proxima uses sophisticated simulation tools and AI-enabled engineering to optimize their stellarator designs, addressing the complex challenge of stellarator optimization.
5. Island divertor: This proven heat exhaust concept, demonstrated on the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) experiment, helps manage plasma exhaust.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Proxima Fusion, fusion reactors typically use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The energy capture method for Proxima Fusion's stellarator likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional water-steam cycle.

Proxima Fusion aims to develop the first generation of fusion power plants using their QI stellarator technology, with the goal of providing clean, safe, and abundant fusion energy for grid deployment.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Proxima Fusion, a pioneering fusion energy startup based in Munich, Germany, has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy using quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarators. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in Past 12 Months

1. Raised €20 million ($21.7 million) in a seed funding round led by redalpine, with participation from various investors including Bayern Kapital and the Max Planck Foundation.
2. Launched the "AI for Fusion Engineering" project, securing €6.5 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
3. Collaborated with leading research institutions, including the University of Bonn and Forschungszentrum Jülich, to develop AI-powered tools for stellarator optimization.
4. Appointed Barrington "Baz" D'Arcy as Chief Manufacturing Officer, bringing expertise in scaling advanced manufacturing processes.
5. Advanced development of StarFinder, a cloud-based stellarator optimization and design framework.

Future Plans

1. Build an intermediate fusion device in Munich by 2031.
2. Continue developing AI-driven design tools for QI stellarators
3. Advance high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology for stellarator designs.
4. Leverage partnerships with academic institutions and industry to accelerate fusion technology development.

Anticipated MWe of First Commercial Operating Facility

FIA estimes the anticipated MWe output of Proxima Fusion's first commercial operating facility to be about 750 MWe.

Demo Target Date

Proxima Fusion aims to build an intermediate device in Munich by 2031.

Commercial Target Date

The company projects a timeline to achieve fusion energy by the mid-2030s, with the objective of having a first-of-a-kind fusion power plant operational within the 2030s.

SHINE Technologies

Overview

SHINE Technologies, founded in 2005 by Dr. Gregory Piefer, is an innovative fusion technology company based in Janesville, Wisconsin. The company originated from Phoenix Nuclear Labs and was initially focused on medical isotope production using fusion technology.

As of 2024, SHINE Technologies employs approximately 285 people across its facilities. The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $324.6 million, with a recent $70 million financing round in October 2023 led by existing investors including Baillie Gifford and Fidelity Management & Research Company.

SHINE targets multiple markets, including medical isotope production, industrial inspection, radiation hardening services for defense applications, and fusion energy development. Their four-phased approach aims to solve immediate problems while progressing towards clean fusion energy.

Key collaborators include Argonne National Laboratory, which validated SHINE's production process, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which granted a construction permit for their Janesville facility. The company also maintains partnerships with various research institutions and industry partners to advance its fusion technology.

Recent innovations include setting a world record in 2019 for the strongest sustained nuclear fusion reaction in a steady-state system, in collaboration with Phoenix Nuclear Labs. SHINE has also developed advanced separation technologies and is currently ramping up production of lutetium-177 for cancer treatment.

Fusion Approach

SHINE Technologies employs a unique fusion approach that utilizes a deuterium-tritium (D-T) system to generate neutrons for various applications, including medical isotope production and nuclear waste recycling. Their fusion approach works as follows:

1. Particle acceleration: Deuterium ions are accelerated to high energies using an ion beam.
2. Target interaction: The accelerated deuterium ions collide with a tritium target.
3. Fusion reactions: These collisions result in fusion reactions, producing neutrons and helium nuclei.
4. Neutron utilization: The neutrons generated from the fusion reactions are used for various applications, such as medical isotope production or nuclear waste transmutation.

Fuel Used

SHINE Technologies uses a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture for their fusion reactions. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that can be extracted from water, while tritium is typically produced within the system through neutron interactions with lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While SHINE's current focus is not primarily on energy production, their fusion approach has potential applications for energy capture in the future. Their planned energy capture approach likely involves:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion-generated neutrons would be absorbed in a surrounding blanket material.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption would heat the blanket material.
3. Heat transfer: A coolant system would transfer the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat would be used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

SHINE's fusion technology is unique in that it is being developed through a phased approach, with each phase building on the previous one and generating revenue to fund further development. Their ultimate goal is to achieve commercially viable fusion energy generation, building on the knowledge, technology, and experience developed in the earlier phases focused on medical isotope production and nuclear waste recycling.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

SHINE Technologies has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Showcased FLARE™, the world's most powerful continuous fusion neutron system, enabling faster and more comprehensive radiation effects testing.
2. Awarded $32 million by DOE/NNSA to support production of Molybdenum-99 at their Chrysalis facility.
3. Partnered with Zeno Power to recycle nuclear waste material for radioisotope power systems.
4. Submitted an FDA Drug Master File for Non-Carrier-Added Lutetium-177, becoming North America's largest producer of this radiopharmaceutical.
5. Hired new executives, including Derek Kramer as COO, to drive next-generation fusion development and commercialization efforts.

Future Plans ahead

SHINE Technologies is pursuing a four-phased approach to fusion energy development:

1. Industrial component inspection (ongoing)
2. Medical isotope production (ongoing)
3. Nuclear waste recycling (in development)
4. Fusion energy generation (future goal)

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Following are the Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility with each phase of development:

1. Phase 1: 10-1,000W
2. Phase 2: 1W
3. Phase 3: 10MW
4. Phase 4: 100+MW

Demo target date

Following are the target dates for different phases:

1. Phase 1: complete
2. Phase 2: 2026
3. Phase 3: 2032
4. Phase 4: 2040

Commercial target date

SHINE aims to develop a fusion energy pilot plant by 2040. However, the company is already commercializing near-term applications of fusion technology in industrial inspection, medical isotope production, and plans to move into nuclear waste recycling before full-scale fusion energy production.

HelicitySpace Corporation

Overview

Helicity Space Corporation, founded in 2018, is an innovative fusion propulsion company based in Pasadena, California. The company was co-founded by Dr. Setthivoine You, a former professor in plasma physics at the University of Tokyo and University of Washington, Marta Calvo, formerly at Aerojet Rocketdyne with a background in chemical engineering, and Stephane Lintner, formerly at Goldman Sachs with a background in applied mathematics.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, Helicity Space operates with a team of experts in plasma physics, engineering, and applied mathematics.

The company has secured significant funding, including a $5 million seed round in December 2023 led by investors such as Airbus Ventures, TRE Ventures, Voyager Space Holdings, E2MC Space, Urania Ventures, and Gaingels. In April 2024, Helicity Space also received an investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, further bolstering their financial resources.

Helicity Space targets the space exploration and transportation market, aiming to develop fusion propulsion and power technology for deep space missions. Their technology has potential applications in advancing exploration efforts, enhancing national security missions, and amplifying global commerce in space.

Key collaborators and partners include Lockheed Martin, whose venture arm has invested in the company, providing access to engineering and research expertise. Helicity Space also maintains relationships with leading education and research organizations.

Recent innovations include the development of their proprietary technology, the Helicity Drive, which consists of scalable fusion propulsion engines designed to enable safer, faster, reusable, and more fuel-efficient travel into deep space. The company's approach leverages plectonemic plasma jets for confinement, magnetic reconnection for heating, and peristaltic magnetic compression for raising energy density.

Fusion Approach

HelicitySpace Corporation is developing an innovative fusion propulsion technology called the Helicity Drive. This approach aims to enable efficient and powerful space propulsion for deep space exploration.

Fusion Approach

The Helicity Drive uses a magneto-inertial fusion method that combines several key elements:

1. Plectonemic plasma jets: Multiple plasma streams are twisted and coiled to enhance stability and confinement.
2. Magnetic reconnection: This process, similar to what occurs in solar flares, merges and snaps magnetic field lines to release energy for heating the plasma.
3. Peristaltic magnetic compression: A squeezing action increases the plasma's density and temperature, pushing it towards fusion conditions.
4. Self-organized Taylor relaxation: This phenomenon helps maintain plasma stability during the fusion process.

The system operates in pulsed mode, creating short bursts of fusion conditions optimized for propulsive plasma exhaust. This approach allows for scalability by adjusting the number of plasma sources, similar to how cylinders in a car engine affect performance.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, fusion propulsion systems typically use deuterium or a mixture of deuterium and tritium as fuel. These isotopes of hydrogen are chosen for their relatively high fusion cross-section at achievable temperatures.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The Helicity Drive is primarily designed for propulsion rather than energy production. It captures the energy from fusion reactions in the form of directed plasma exhaust, which provides thrust for spacecraft. This approach allows for:

1. Direct thrust generation: The fusion reactions produce a high-velocity plasma exhaust.
2. Pulsed operation: Short bursts of fusion provide acceleration with each pulse.
3. Scalability: The system can be tested and scaled up progressively by adding more plasma sources.

By focusing on propulsion rather than electricity generation, HelicitySpace aims to develop practical fusion technology for space exploration before tackling the challenges of terrestrial power production.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

HelicitySpace Corporation has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing fusion propulsion technology for space exploration. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Secured investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures in April 2024, providing additional funding and access to engineering expertise.
2. Advanced development of their proprietary Helicity Drive technology, which uses plectonemic plasma jets for fusion propulsion.
3. Continued fabrication of key components for their laboratory prototype fusion drive.
4. Expanded collaborations with research institutions and industry partners to further their fusion technology development.

Future Plans

1. Complete construction and testing of their laboratory prototype fusion drive.
2. Further optimize the Helicity Drive design for improved efficiency and scalability.
3. Develop larger-scale prototypes to demonstrate the technology's potential for space propulsion.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA estimates the anticipated MWe output of HelicitySpace's first commercial operating facility to be about 300 MWe.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, HelicitySpace is actively working on their laboratory prototype. A demonstration of their technology might be expected in the next few years, given their recent funding and progress.

Commercial target date

HelicitySpace aims to enable faster space travel, with a goal of reducing travel time to Mars to about two months. However, a specific commercial target date has not been announced. The company is likely focusing on near-term technology demonstrations before setting a firm commercial target date.

Crossfield Fusion Ltd

Overview

Crossfield Fusion Ltd, founded on September 21, 2019, is an innovative fusion energy company based in London, England. The company was established to develop a novel compact fusion reactor targeting carbon-free heat and power generation.

While the exact number of employees is not specified in the available information, Crossfield Fusion likely operates with a small team typical of early-stage fusion startups.

According to FIA, the company has secured about $500,000 in funding. Their approach to building fusion reactors is based on patented technology called the Epicyclotron, which represents a new direction in fusion reactor design.

Crossfield Fusion targets the clean energy market, aiming to provide carbon-free heat and power generation through their compact fusion reactor technology.

Recent innovations include the development of their proprietary Epicyclotron technology, which forms the basis of their novel approach to fusion reactor design. While specific patents are not mentioned, the company's focus on patented technology suggests active involvement in protecting their intellectual property.

Crossfield Fusion's registered office is located at 128 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX. The company's primary business activities, as registered with Companies House, include the manufacture of irradiation, electromedical and electrotherapeutic equipment, production of electricity, and other engineering activities.

Fusion Approach

Crossfield Fusion Ltd developed a novel approach to fusion energy based on a technology called the Epicyclotron. Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

The Epicyclotron uses a combination of electric and magnetic fields to accelerate and confine charged particles in a circular beam. Key elements include:

1. A central electrode that provides a fixed rotation point for ions and generates a radial electric field.
2. Circumferential electrodes that create electric fields through radio frequency (RF) switching.
3. A magnetic field applied orthogonally to the plane of particle acceleration.

The process works as follows:

1. Ions are accelerated in a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field.
2. The synchronous RF switching of electric fields between electrodes accelerates the ions.
3. The combination of electric and magnetic fields confines the ions in circular orbits.
4. The device can potentially maintain ions in these orbits indefinitely, inputting only enough energy to counteract scattering and collisions.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. Given the Epicyclotron's ability to accelerate various charged particles, it could potentially use deuterium or a deuterium-tritium mixture.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The Epicyclotron was designed to create conditions for fusion reactions between the accelerated beam ions and the background medium. However, Crossfield Fusion determined in October 2021 that the reactor would not scale as initially anticipated to deliver a net gain fusion reactor.

Currently, the company is exploring the use of this technology in hydrogen isotope separation as part of the fusion fuel cycle, rather than direct energy production. This shift suggests that their energy capture approach may have changed from direct fusion power generation to supporting other aspects of the fusion industry.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Based on the available information, Crossfield Fusion Ltd has shifted its focus since determining in October 2021 that their original reactor design would not scale as anticipated. As such, their recent milestones and future plans have changed:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Continued exploration of their Epicyclotron technology for hydrogen isotope separation as part of the fusion fuel cycle.
2. Maintained their patented technology (US8138692) for potential applications in the broader fusion industry.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

No information has been announced about the anticipated MWe output of a commercial facility from Crossfield Fusion Ltd, as they are no longer pursuing a net gain fusion reactor.

Demo target date

There is no specific demo target date mentioned for Crossfield Fusion Ltd's current hydrogen isotope separation technology exploration.

Commercial target date

No commercial target date for Crossfield Fusion Ltd is provided given their current focus on hydrogen isotope separation technology.

It's important to note that Crossfield Fusion Ltd has significantly altered its original goals and is no longer directly pursuing fusion energy generation. Instead, they are exploring how their technology can contribute to the fusion fuel cycle through hydrogen isotope separation.

Fuse

Overview

Fuse, founded in 2019, is an innovative fusion energy company based in San Leandro, California, with additional operations in Canada. The company was established by JC Btaiche, a 24-year-old Lebanese-Canadian immigrant who started Fuse in Montreal when he was just 19 years old.

Fuse operates with a team of 11-50 employees according to their LinkedIn profile. The company has secured significant funding, raising $20 million initially, with an additional $32 million raised in a fresh funding round in September 2024, valuing the company at over $200 million.

Fuse targets multiple markets, including nuclear effects testing for government agencies such as the NNSA, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense, as well as the long-term goal of producing fusion power for commercial energy generation.

Key collaborators and partners include the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), which has granted Fuse an official license to operate, making them the first private company in Canada to have one. The company has also attracted a team that includes Iran's former No. 2 nuclear fusion physicist, a former CIA Chief of Base in Afghanistan, and experts from Sandia National Laboratories. In November 2024, James Owen, Los Alamos National Laboratory's Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons, joined Fuse as President of Fuse Federal.

Recent innovations include the development of their FAETON I generator, capable of producing a neutron yield over 10^13/year, and the successful testing of a low-inductance "brick" component for their TITAN system. Fuse has also built and operated two generators in less than three years, including a unique dense plasma focus device.

In terms of recent publications, Fuse published a peer-reviewed paper in Nature Scientific Reports detailing test results of its novel pulsed-power driver, TITAN, the world's first high-energy and high-power impedance-matched Marx generator (IMG).

Fusion Approach

Fuse is developing a unique approach to fusion energy using pulsed power generators. Their fusion approach can be explained as follows:

Fusion Approach

Fuse's technology is based on pulsed power generators, which rapidly release stored electrical energy to create intense bursts of power. This approach likely falls under the category of magneto-inertial fusion or Z-pinch fusion:

1. Energy storage: Electrical energy is stored in capacitors or other energy storage devices.
2. Rapid discharge: The stored energy is released very quickly, creating an intense pulse of electrical current.
3. Magnetic field generation: This current pulse generates a strong, transient magnetic field.
4. Plasma compression: The magnetic field rapidly compresses a pre-formed plasma, heating it to fusion conditions.
5. Fusion reactions: The compressed, heated plasma undergoes fusion reactions, releasing energy.

This pulsed approach allows for high energy density and potentially more efficient fusion reactions compared to steady-state methods.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Fuse, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. The most common fuel mixture is deuterium and tritium (D-T), as it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Fuse's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

Fuse's approach of using pulsed power generators allows them to develop technology for near-term applications like nuclear effects testing while progressing towards their long-term goal of fusion power generation. This strategy provides a revenue stream to fund ongoing fusion research and development.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Fuse Energy Technologies Corporation (Fuse) has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Raised $32 million in a funding round in September 2024, valuing the company at over $200 million.
2. Published a peer-reviewed paper in Nature Scientific Reports detailing test results of its novel pulsed-power driver, TITAN, the world's first high-energy and high-power impedance-matched Marx generator (IMG).
3. Expanded its team, with plans to double headcount from approximately 30 employees.
4. Secured a $1.25 million Air Force award in August 2024.
5. Advanced development of their TITAN machines for radiation testing and fusion research.

Future Plans

1. Continue development of larger test machines, including the Z-STAR and Apeiron I designs.
2. Scale up production of TITAN machines for customers in radiation testing markets.
3. Progress towards fusion power generation using revenue from current business and government contracts.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA estimates the anticipated MWe output of Fuse's first commercial operating facility to be approximately 300 MWe.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, FIA estimates the dates to be around late 2020s to early 2030s.

Commercial target date

Fuse Energy has not provided a specific commercial target date for Fuse's fusion power generation. The company is currently focused on near-term applications like radiation testing while progressing towards fusion energy development.

Kyoto Fusioneering

Overview

Kyoto Fusioneering, founded on October 1, 2019, is a pioneering fusion energy company that originated as a spin-off from Kyoto University. The company was established by co-founder Satoshi Konishi, who serves as the Representative Director, CEO, and Chief Fusioneer.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Kyoto Fusioneering has expanded its global presence with offices in the United Kingdom (Reading), United States (Seattle), and Germany (Karlsruhe). As of October 1, 2024, the company employs 138 people.

Kyoto Fusioneering has secured significant funding, with a total of $3.3 million raised by January 2021. More recently, the company completed a Series C funding round, raising $6.9 million at a valuation of $395 million.

The company targets the fusion energy market, focusing on developing key fusion reactor technologies, particularly in fuel cycle and power generation. Their goal is to create high-performance, cost-effective solutions for the emerging fusion industry.

Key collaborators include Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and various research institutions. Kyoto Fusioneering is also actively involved in industry-academia-government collaborations.

Recent innovations include advancements in gyrotron technology and fusion reactor components. The company obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system in the design and development of fusion gyrotrons and peripherals.

In terms of recent publications, Kyoto Fusioneering has been actively sharing its research and development progress. A notable paper titled "Kyoto Fusioneering's Mission to Accelerate Fusion Energy Technologies: Challenges and Role in Industrialisation" outlines the company's approach to accelerating the development of commercially viable fusion technologies.

Fusion Approach

Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) focuses on developing key technologies for fusion power plants rather than a specific fusion approach. Their work supports various fusion concepts, including magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion. Here's an explanation of their contributions to fusion technology:

Fusion Approach

While not developing a fusion reactor core itself, KF specializes in critical systems for fusion power plants:

1. Gyrotron Systems: These high-powered microwave generators heat and sustain the plasma in fusion reactors. KF develops compact, powerful gyrotrons essential for plasma heating.
2. Fuel Cycle Technologies: The company works on systems to manage the fusion fuel, including exhaust handling, fuel purification, and recycling.
3. Breeding Blankets: These surround the plasma, capturing energy and breeding tritium for fuel production.

Fuel Used

KF's fuel cycle systems are designed for deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion, the most common approach in current fusion research. Deuterium is extracted from seawater, while tritium is bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

KF's energy capture method involves several components:

1. Breeding Blankets: These surround the fusion core, capturing neutrons to breed tritium and convert their energy into heat.
2. Heat Extraction: Advanced cooling systems transfer heat from the breeding blankets to a power conversion system.
3. Power Conversion: The extracted heat is used to drive turbines and generate electricity, likely using advanced steam cycles or supercritical CO2 systems for high efficiency.
4. Integrated Testing: Their UNITY-1 facility simulates fusion plant conditions to test and optimize these thermal cycle components without using radioactive materials.

By developing these critical systems, KF aims to address key engineering challenges in fusion energy commercialization, supporting the broader goal of achieving practical fusion power.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing key technologies for fusion power plants. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Launched Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC), a joint venture with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, to develop and deploy deuterium-tritium fusion fuel cycle technologies.
2. Advanced construction of UNITY-1, a demo power plant facility at KF's Kyoto R&D Hub, with key components installed and nearing completion.
3. Began the conceptual design phase of the FAST (Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) project, aiming to integrate essential technologies for fusion power plants.
4. Secured a fourth INFUSE grant award from the US Department of Energy for research on Li-6 enriched lithium-lead samples.
5. Expanded global partnerships, including new agreements with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the University of Tsukuba, and a comprehensive agreement with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Future Plans

1. Commission UNITY-1 facility to demonstrate the fusion thermal cycle system.
2. Complete construction of UNITY-2, the tritium fuel cycle test facility, by the end of 2025 and make it fully operational by mid-2026.
3. Continue development of the FAST project, targeting fusion-based electricity generation by the late 2030s.
4. Further expand global collaborations and partnerships to accelerate fusion energy commercialization.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Kyoto Fusioneering has not provided any specific information about the anticipated MWe output of Kyoto Fusioneering's first commercial operating facility.

Demo target date

Kyoto Fusioneering aims to demonstrate electricity generation using fusion relevant technologies in UNITY-1 by the end of 2025.

Commercial target date

While a specific commercial target date is not provided, Kyoto Fusioneering is participating in the FAST project, which aims to achieve fusion-based power generation by the late 2030s.

Novatron Fusion

Overview

Novatron Fusion Group, founded in 2019, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Stockholm, Sweden. The company was established by Swedish innovator Jan Jäderberg, who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and inventor of the NOVATRON fusion reactor concept.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, Novatron Fusion Group operates with a team of first-class talent from around the world. The company has secured significant funding, including a €5 million seed round and a recent €3 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme in December 2024.

Novatron Fusion targets the global clean energy market, aiming to develop commercially viable fusion reactors for sustainable power generation. Their focus is on creating a stable mirror-machine fusion concept that could potentially provide low-cost, clean energy.

Key collaborators and partners include KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, KIPT (Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology), UKAEA, and EIT InnoEnergy. The company also has a partnership with Culham Fusion Centre in the UK.

Recent innovations include the development of the NOVATRON fusion reactor design, which aims to create an inherently stable magnetic configuration for plasma confinement. In December 2024, Novatron launched the Tau-E Breakthrough (TauEB) project, focusing on enhancing plasma confinement time by over a hundred times.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Novatron Fusion Group's collaboration with academic institutions and ongoing research suggests active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of fusion technology. The company is working towards demonstrating a scalable and cost-effective fusion reactor technology, with the goal of having a working commercial fusion reactor within the next decade.

Fusion Approach

Novatron Fusion is developing a unique approach to fusion energy using a stable mirror-machine concept. Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

Novatron's NOVATRON reactor design uses a novel magnetic configuration to confine and stabilize the plasma:

1. Magnetic Confinement: The reactor employs a unique magnetic mirror design that creates an inherently stable magnetic field configuration.
2. Ambipolar Plugging: This technique uses electrostatic plugging at the magnetic mirrors by creating an electric potential within the plasma.
3. Ponderomotive Confinement: An external electric RF-field confines the plasma using the ponderomotive force.

The combination of these three techniques aims to significantly improve plasma confinement, addressing one of the major challenges in fusion research. This approach allows the super-hot plasma to reach a stable equilibrium in the reactor's center, enabling continuous operation.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Novatron, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. The most likely fuel mixture is deuterium-tritium (D-T), as it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium can be produced within the reactor as neutrons interact with lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Novatron's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron Absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat Generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam Production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity Generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional water-steam cycle.

Novatron aims to make fusion power economically attractive by generating energy at a competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Their design's lower complexity could lead to easier manufacturing, less maintenance, and higher reliability, potentially resulting in a lower cost of energy compared to alternative fusion approaches.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Novatron Fusion Group has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months:

1. Secured €3 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme for the Tau-E Breakthrough (TauEB) project in December 2024.
2. Launched the TauEB project in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, KIPT, UKAEA, and EIT InnoEnergy to enhance plasma confinement time by over 100 times.
3. Completed assembly of their first Novatron (N1) prototype at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, ready for plasma experiments.
4. Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
5. Initiated the Nordic Fusion Forum to foster collaboration in the fusion energy sector.
6. Named a finalist in the 2024 Capgemini Nordic Sustainability Tech Award.

Future Plans

1. Demonstrate plasma stability in their N1 prototype.
2. Continue developing the conceptual design of their next prototype, N2.
3. Decide on and prepare a site for building the N2 prototype.
4. Strengthen collaborations, partnerships, and alliances to accelerate fusion's path to market.
5. Engage with governments to build more collaborations and secure long-term financing.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA states the anticipated MWe output of Novatron Fusion's first commercial operating facility to be around 1000 - 1500 MWe.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Novatron Fusion aims to demonstrate plasma stability in their N1 prototype in 2025. FIA states the dates to be around 2035-2039.

Commercial target date

Novatron Fusion is working towards having a working commercial fusion reactor within the next decade, suggesting a target date in the early to mid-2030s.

Energy Singularity Fusion Power Technology

Overview

Energy Singularity, founded in 2021, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Shanghai, China. The company was established by a team including Zhao Yang (CEO), Zhuyong Li, Ge Dong, and Yuming Ye (COO).

Located in the Lingang New Area of Shanghai's Pilot Free Trade Zone, Energy Singularity operates with a team of skilled engineers and scientists, though the exact number of employees is not specified in the available information.

The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $184.09 million. This includes a $63 million Series A round completed in 2023.

Energy Singularity targets the global clean energy market, focusing on developing commercially viable fusion reactors for sustainable power generation. Their approach utilizes high-magnetic field, high-parameter, standardized high-temperature superconducting tokamak devices.

Recent innovations include the development of the Honghuang 70 (HH70) tokamak device, which achieved first plasma and reportedly produced a net-positive fusion reaction in June 2024. The company is also working on the next-generation HH170 tokamak, aiming for a 10-fold energy gain by 2027.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Energy Singularity's breakthrough with the HH70 device suggests active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of fusion technology. The company claims 96% of its technology was developed independently in China, highlighting its focus on innovation and intellectual property development in the fusion energy sector.

Fusion Approach

Energy Singularity Fusion Power Technology utilizes a tokamak-based approach to achieve nuclear fusion. Their fusion approach involves several key elements:

1. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets: These advanced magnets create powerful magnetic fields to confine and control the plasma. The use of HTS magnets allows for smaller, more compact tokamak designs while maintaining high performance.
2. Advanced tokamak physics: Energy Singularity employs cutting-edge tokamak physics to achieve higher confinement, beta values, and bootstrap current fractions. This enables steady-state operation and enhances the potential for economic fusion power generation.
3. AI and supercomputing: The company leverages artificial intelligence and supercomputing to control and optimize the superheated plasma within the reactor. This integration of advanced computing technologies helps improve plasma stability and performance.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Energy Singularity, fusion reactors typically use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Energy Singularity's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional water-steam cycle.

Energy Singularity's approach aims to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy by developing high-field, high-confinement, and compact tokamak devices. Their HH70 tokamak, which achieved first plasma in June 2024, demonstrates the company's progress in realizing this vision.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Energy Singularity Fusion Power Technology has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Achieved first plasma with the Honghuang 70 (HH70) tokamak device in June 2024.
2. Claimed to have produced a net-positive fusion reaction with the HH70, generating more energy than was input to initiate the reaction.
3. Completed the overall installation of the HH70 device by the end of February 2024, setting a record for the fastest research and construction of superconducting tokamak devices worldwide.
4. Advanced development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, with 96% of the technology developed independently in China.
5. Began engineering design for the next-generation HH170 tokamak.

Future Plans

1. Complete manufacturing and testing of high-temperature superconducting D-shaped magnets with a magnetic field strength of 25 Tesla by the end of 2024.
2. Commence engineering design for the HH170 device in early 2025.
3. Develop the HH170 tokamak, aiming for a 10-fold energy gain by 2027.
4. Begin planning for the HH380 device, intended for a demonstration fusion power plant, after 2030.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA states the anticipated MWe output of Energy Singularity's first commercial operating facility to be about 500 MWe.

Demo target date

Energy Singularity aims to complete the HH170 tokamak, which is intended to demonstrate a 10-fold energy gain, by 2027.

Commercial target date

While a specific commercial target date is not provided, Energy Singularity's plans for the HH380 demonstration fusion power plant to start after 2030 suggest they are targeting commercial deployment in the 2030s.

Openstar Technologies

Overview

OpenStar Technologies, founded in late 2021, is an innovative fusion energy startup based in Wellington, New Zealand. The company was established by Ratu Mataira, who serves as the Founder and CEO.

Operating out of Wellington, OpenStar Technologies has grown to a team of 11-50 employees, comprising world-class individuals passionate about advancing fusion energy.

The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $6.2 million. This includes a seed funding round completed in March 2023, with investors such as Icehouse Ventures, Outset Ventures, Ngai Tahu Holdings, Aspire, and K1W1.

OpenStar Technologies targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop fusion technology for safe, clean, carbon-free, base-load electricity generation. Their approach focuses on building a levitated dipole reactor using high-temperature superconductors.

Key collaborators include the Robinson Research Institute, with Professor Rod Badcock, the Deputy Director, providing expertise. The company also maintains relationships with various research institutions and industry partners to advance its fusion technology.

Recent innovations include the development of their Marsden Class device, which uses high-temperature superconductors to confine plasma in a levitated dipole configuration. This represents a critical step in demonstrating the scalability of levitated dipole reactors for fusion energy production.

Fusion Approach

OpenStar Technologies is developing a unique approach to fusion energy using a Levitated Dipole Reactor (LDR). Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

The LDR design is fundamentally different from the more common tokamak reactors:

1. Magnetic confinement: A doughnut-shaped superconducting magnet is levitated in a vacuum chamber, creating a strong magnetic field to confine the plasma.
2. Plasma surrounding the magnet: Unlike tokamaks where plasma is confined within magnets, in an LDR the plasma surrounds the central magnet.
3. Natural stability: This configuration mimics the Earth's magnetosphere, which naturally confines plasma from solar wind, potentially leading to more stable plasma confinement.
4. High-temperature superconductors: OpenStar uses advanced high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials to create powerful magnetic fields necessary for plasma confinement.
5. Cryogenic cooling: The superconducting magnets are cooled to extremely low temperatures using cryogenic technology to maintain their superconducting properties.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for OpenStar, fusion reactors typically use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. The most likely fuel mixture is deuterium-tritium (D-T), as it requires the lowest temperature to achieve fusion. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach: OpenStar's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional water-steam cycle.

OpenStar's LDR approach aims to simplify the reactor design and potentially reduce costs compared to tokamak-based fusion systems, while still achieving the high plasma temperatures and confinement necessary for fusion reactions.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

OpenStar Technologies has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Achieved first plasma in their Junior device, sustaining temperatures of 300,000°C for 20 seconds.
2. Successfully powered the core component (Junior) using a patented flux pump technology, enabling onboard charging of the floating magnet.
3. Completed assembly of their first Novatron (N1) prototype, ready for plasma experiments.
4. Launched a formal collaboration with MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center for advanced physics simulations.
5. Expanded the team to approximately 40 employees.

Future Plans

1. Finalize the design for the next test machine and raise funds for its construction.
2. Test the levitation of the superconducting magnet in the first few months of 2025.
3. Open a second office in the USA in 2024.
4. Continue development of the Marsden Class device using high-temperature superconductors.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

OpenStar Technologies has not provide specific information about the anticipated MWe output of first commercial operating facility yet.

Demo target date

OpenStar aims to achieve fusion conditions of over 100 million degrees Celsius by 2025 and scientific net energy by 2026.

Commercial target date

OpenStar projects readiness for commercial fusion power in six years, suggesting a target date around 2030. However, experts caution that significant scientific and regulatory hurdles remain for grid-ready systems.

Longview Fusion Energy Systems

Overview

Longview Fusion Energy Systems, founded in March 2021, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Orinda, California. The company was established by Dr. Edward Moses, who serves as the Founder and CEO. Dr. Moses brings over five decades of experience in engineering, physics, and management, including his role as the former director of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Longview operates with a team of 11-50 employees, comprising fusion scientists, engineers, and business leaders with extensive experience in fusion technology development.

While specific funding details are not available, Longview has secured partnerships and investments to support its ambitious goals in fusion energy commercialization.

The company targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop and deploy large-scale laser fusion power plants to supply baseload, carbon-free, and safe fusion energy for the grid within the next decade.

Key collaborators include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), with whom Longview has entered into a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop a comprehensive performance and economic model for their fusion power plant designs. Longview also partners with Fluor, a global engineering firm, to design the world's first laser fusion power plant.

Recent innovations include the development of power plant designs that combine NIF's laser fusion breakthrough with modern, efficient lasers and a patented design to replicate fusion conditions several hundred times a minute. Longview aims to break ground on its first fusion power plant within five years.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Longview's collaboration with LLNL and ongoing research suggests active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of laser-driven inertial confinement fusion for commercial energy production.

Fusion Approach

Longview Fusion Energy Systems utilizes a laser-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) approach, based on the technology demonstrated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Here's how their fusion approach works:

Fusion Approach

1. Powerful lasers: Multiple high-energy laser beams are directed at a small fuel target.
2. X-ray conversion: The lasers hit a hohlraum (a gold cylinder), converting the laser light into X-rays.
3. Fuel compression: These X-rays compress and heat a capsule containing fusion fuel to extreme pressures and temperatures.
4. Fusion ignition: Under these conditions, the fuel atoms fuse, releasing energy.
5. Repetitive pulsing: This process is repeated several hundred times per minute, similar to the repetitive pulses in a car engine.

Fuel Used

Longview's approach uses hydrogen isotopes as fuel, specifically:

• Deuterium: An isotope of hydrogen extracted from water.
• Tritium: Another hydrogen isotope, which can be bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional water-steam cycle.

Longview's power plants are designed to produce between 450 MWe to 1400 MWe, enough to power communities of 500,000 to 1,500,000 people. The company aims to leverage modern, efficient lasers and a patented design to replicate fusion conditions several hundred times a minute, delivering over one million horsepower.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Longview Fusion Energy Systems has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Contracted Fluor Corporation to design the world's first commercial laser fusion power plant.
2. Entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop a comprehensive performance and economic model for their fusion power plant designs.
3. Advanced the development of their Market Entry Plant (MEP) design, incorporating commercially available technologies from the semiconductor and other industries.
4. Continued collaboration with the Department of Energy and the National Lab network to refine aspects of their fusion energy system.
5. Expanded partnerships with utilities, industrial users, and manufacturing/supply chain companies to solidify resources for key technologies.

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Longview's Market Entry Plant (MEP) is planned to deliver 440 MW of carbon-free power to the grid once operational.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Longview aims to break ground on their first fusion power plant within the next five years.

Commercial target date

Longview plans for their Market Entry Plant to be in baseload commercial operations in the early 2030s. The company has set a 10-year goal to deliver a separate commercial fusion plant by the early 2030s, with plans to achieve global market penetration between 2030 and 2050.

Blue Laser Fusion

Overview

Blue Laser Fusion (BLF) is an innovative fusion energy company founded in November 2022 by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Shuji Nakamura, Dr. Hiroaki Ohta, and Silicon Valley attorney Richard Ogawa. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional operations in Santa Barbara and Tokyo.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, BLF operates with a team of world-class scientists and experts in fusion technology.

The company has secured significant funding, including a $25 million initial round in July 2023 led by JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. and Mirai Creation Fund III, managed by SPARX Group Co., Ltd. More recently, BLF completed a $37.5 million Series Seed funding round in early 2025.

Blue Laser Fusion targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop commercially viable fusion energy systems for power grid operators, energy companies, and large-scale industrial users.

Key collaborators and partners include Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions, YUKI Holdings, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. BLF has also entered into a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement with Caltech through a U.S. Department of Energy INFUSE project award.

Recent innovations include the development of a proprietary high-power laser technology capable of achieving high repetition rates and power levels necessary for clean energy generation. BLF has filed over 200 patent claims related to their novel laser fusion technology.

While specific published papers are not mentioned, BLF's collaboration with academic institutions and ongoing research suggests active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of laser-driven inertial confinement fusion for commercial energy production. The company plans to complete its first prototype in 2025 and demonstrate a commercial-ready fusion reactor by 2030.

Fusion Approach

Blue Laser Fusion (BLF) is developing an innovative approach to fusion energy using inertial confinement fusion (ICF) with a novel high-power laser technology. Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

1. High-power laser: BLF utilizes a proprietary laser technology capable of generating megajoule pulse energy with a fast repetition rate of up to 10 Hz.
2. Optical enhancement cavity: The laser system employs a large-scale high finesse cavity, also known as an optical enhancement cavity, which coherently stacks pulses temporally separated in time.
3. Fuel compression: The powerful laser pulses are directed at a small fuel target, compressing and heating it to extreme pressures and temperatures.
4. Fusion ignition: Under these conditions, the fuel atoms fuse, releasing energy.
5. Repetitive pulsing: This process is repeated at a high rate, allowing for continuous energy production.

Fuel Used

BLF plans to use an aneutronic fuel called hydrogen-boron (HB11). This fuel choice offers several advantages:

• Non-radioactive
• Free from harmful neutrons
• Yields safe helium as a byproduct
• Naturally abundant

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details of BLF's energy capture method are not provided, typical ICF reactors capture energy as follows:

1. Heat generation: The fusion reactions produce high-energy particles and radiation, heating a surrounding medium.
2. Heat transfer: This heat is captured by a coolant system.
3. Steam production: The captured heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through a conventional power cycle.

BLF aims to develop a fusion reactor capable of producing 1 gigawatt of electricity, comparable to a typical nuclear power reactor. Their approach focuses on achieving high efficiency and fast repetition rates, with the goal of demonstrating a commercial-ready fusion reactor by 2030.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Blue Laser Fusion (BLF) has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Secured a $37.5 million seed funding round in early 2024, with new investors including SoftBank Corp., Yusaku Maezawa, and Itochu Corp.
2. Won a U.S. Department of Energy INFUSE project award to develop a novel high-energy pulsed laser for inertial fusion energy applications in collaboration with Caltech.
3. Formed a capital and business alliance with ITOCHU Corporation, expanding their strategic partnerships.
4. Advanced development of their proprietary high-power laser technology, capable of generating megajoule pulse energy with a fast repetition rate of up to 10 Hz.
5. Expanded their patent portfolio, with over 200 patent claims filed related to their novel laser fusion technology.

Plans ahead

1. Complete the first prototype of their fusion reactor by 2025.
2. Continue development of their optical enhancement cavity (OEC) laser technology in collaboration with Caltech.
3. Advance the design of their inertial confinement fusion reactor integrated with the novel high-power pulse laser.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

BLF aims to develop a fusion reactor capable of producing 1 gigawatt of electricity, comparable to a typical nuclear power reactor.

Demo target date

Blue Laser Fusion plans to complete its first prototype by 2025.

Commercial target date

The company has set an ambitious goal to demonstrate a commercial-ready fusion reactor by 2030.

Gauss Fusion

Overview

Gauss Fusion, founded in 2022, is a pioneering fusion energy company based in Germany. The company was established by a group of industrial founders with extensive experience in fusion technology, including Frank H. Laukien, who serves as the Executive Chairman.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, Gauss Fusion operates with a team of experienced professionals from both industry and academia.

According to FIA, the company has secured funding of about $18.2 million. Gauss Fusion's funding strategy involves industrial investments, European and US venture capital, and support from European countries.

Gauss Fusion targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop and commercialize industrialized European fusion power plants (EFPPs) and related key magnetic confinement fusion technologies. Their goal is to bring fusion energy to market maturity by the early 2040s and make it industrially scalable.

Key collaborators and partners include leading European research institutes such as the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), CERN in Switzerland, ENEA in Italy, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Gauss Fusion has also recently signed a collaboration agreement with Oxford Sigma to accelerate the deployment of their fusion technology in Europe.

Recent innovations include the development of enhanced designs for magnetic confinement fusion, focusing on higher field metallic or high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, tokamak geometries, tritium-breeder blankets, divertors, and plasma heating systems.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Gauss Fusion's collaboration with academic institutions and ongoing research suggests active involvement in advancing the scientific understanding of fusion technology. The company aims to integrate industrial leadership with key academic and institute partners to accelerate the development of fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

Gauss Fusion is developing a magnetic confinement fusion approach, specifically focusing on the stellarator concept. Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

1. Magnetic confinement: Gauss Fusion uses powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field that confines and controls the hot plasma.
2. Stellarator design: Unlike the more common tokamak design, stellarators use a complex arrangement of magnetic coils to create a twisted magnetic field. This configuration allows for steady-state operation and potentially higher reliability.
3. High-field magnets: Gauss Fusion employs high-field magnetic confinement (HFMC) at approximately 7-9 Tesla, using advanced superconducting materials.
4. Advanced engineering: The company focuses on developing key technologies such as innovative magnet systems, advanced fuel cycles, and remote maintenance equipment.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated for Gauss Fusion, fusion reactors typically use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium is usually bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Gauss Fusion's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: The fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, which are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers the heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

Gauss Fusion is developing tritium-breeder blankets and focusing on the fuel cycle, which suggests they are working on an integrated approach to fuel production and energy capture. Their staged approach to fusion power plant development aims to minimize risk, lower capital costs, and enhance flexibility throughout the design process.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Gauss Fusion has made significant progress in 2024 towards its goal of developing commercial fusion energy. Here are the key milestones and plans for the company:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Signed an agreement with the Technical University of Munich/School of Engineering and Design (TUM/ED) to conduct a site selection study for Europe's first gigawatt-class fusion power plant.
2. Launched a project to assess potential sites for their fusion power plant, focusing on former nuclear fission or coal power plants across Europe.
3. Advanced the development of enhanced designs for magnetic confinement fusion, including work on higher field superconducting magnets, tokamak geometries, and tritium-breeder blankets.
4. Expanded collaborations with leading European research institutes and industry partners to accelerate fusion technology development.
5. Continued progress on concept refinement and engineering analysis for their fusion power plant design.

Future Plans

1. Complete the site selection study by the end of 2024, shortlisting five potential locations for their fusion power plant.
2. Advance to Phase 2 of their roadmap, focusing on the design and development of a commercial prototype GW-class fusion power plant.
3. Further strengthen partnerships with energy industry leaders and expand to other European countries.

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Gauss Fusion aims to develop a GW-class fusion power plant, which would likely produce around 1000 MWe of electrical power.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Gauss Fusion's phased approach suggests they may have intermediate milestones before their commercial plant. FIA states the dates to be around 2040s.

Commercial target date

Gauss Fusion is targeting 2045 for bringing their first European GW-class fusion power plant (Gauss GIGA fusion power plant) online and connected to the grid.

LaserFusionX

Overview

LaserFusionX, founded in December 2022, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Springfield, Virginia. The company was established by Dr. Stephen Obenschain, who serves as the President and brings over 40 years of experience in laser fusion research from his time at the Naval Research Laboratory.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, LaserFusionX operates with a team of experienced professionals in laser plasma physics and fusion technology.

FIA states that LaserFusionX has raised about $200,000 in funding till date.

LaserFusionX targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop commercially viable fusion reactors using direct-drive laser fusion with argon fluoride (ArF) lasers. Their approach focuses on achieving high energy gains (>100) needed for electrical power production with substantially less laser energy than traditional methods.

Key collaborators likely include research institutions and national laboratories, given Dr. Obenschain's background at the Naval Research Laboratory. The company also maintains relationships with various industry partners to advance its fusion technology.

Recent innovations include the development of advanced designs for direct-drive laser fusion using ArF lasers, which could enable smaller, lower-cost laser fusion power plants. LaserFusionX is working on building a beamline of argon fluoride with the energy and performance needed for a power plant.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, Dr. Obenschain's work has been published in journals such as Applied Optics and Philosophical Transactions A, detailing advancements in KrF and ArF laser technology for inertial fusion energy.

Fusion Approach

LaserFusionX utilizes a direct-drive laser fusion approach, which is a type of inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Here's an explanation of their fusion approach:

Fusion Approach

1. Target preparation: A small spherical capsule containing fusion fuel is placed in the reaction chamber.
2. Laser irradiation: Multiple high-power argon fluoride (ArF) lasers simultaneously irradiate the target from all directions.
3. Ablation and compression: The laser energy heats the outer layer of the target, causing it to rapidly expand outward. This creates an equal and opposite inward force, compressing the fuel.
4. Hot spot formation: As the fuel is compressed, a small region at the center reaches extremely high temperatures and densities.
5. Ignition: When conditions in the hot spot are sufficient, fusion reactions begin, releasing energy and heating surrounding fuel.
6. Burn propagation: The fusion reactions spread outward through the compressed fuel, releasing more energy.

Fuel Used

LaserFusionX likely uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel. These hydrogen isotopes are commonly used in fusion research due to their relatively low ignition requirements.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

While specific details for LaserFusionX are not provided, the energy capture method for laser fusion typically involves:

1. Neutron absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Coolant circulation: A coolant system transfers heat from the blanket.
4. Electricity generation: The heat is used to produce steam and drive turbines, generating electricity through conventional methods.

LaserFusionX's approach, using ArF lasers for direct-drive fusion, aims to achieve high energy gains (>100) needed for electrical power production with substantially less laser energy than traditional methods. This could potentially enable smaller, lower-cost laser fusion power plants.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

LaserFusionX has made progress in 2024 towards developing their fusion energy technology, though specific milestones are not available. Based on the available information, here's an overview of their recent achievements and future plans:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Continued development of argon fluoride (ArF) excimer laser technology for direct-drive fusion.
2. Advanced work on designing a commercial-scale pilot plant using ArF laser technology.
3. Likely made progress on building a beamline of argon fluoride with the energy and performance needed for a power plant.

Future Path

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

FIA states the anticipated MWe output of LaserFusionX's first commercial operating facility to be around 400 MWe.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, LaserFusionX is working towards building a single-beam prototype laser, likely within the next few years. FIA estimates the dates to be around 2040s.

Commercial target date

LaserFusionX believes a commercial-scale pilot plant could be built in 16 years, suggesting a target date around 2040 for commercial operations.

It's important to note that these timelines are projections and may be subject to change as the technology develops and new challenges or opportunities arise in the fusion energy sector.

Stellarex Inc.

Overview

Stellarex Inc., founded in 2022, is an innovative fusion energy company based in Princeton, New Jersey. The company was established by a team of prominent experts in the fusion energy field, including:

• Richard Carty (Chairman)
• Dr. Michael Zarnstorff (Chief Technology Officer)
• Professor Amitava Bhattacharjee (President and Chief Science Officer)

Stellarex operates with a small team of 2-10 employees, comprising leading scientists and engineers focused on developing fusion energy using the stellarator approach.

While specific funding amounts are not disclosed, Stellarex has secured grants from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fusion Energy Science through the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program. The company is likely seeking additional investment to support its ambitious research and development efforts.

Stellarex targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop a prototype commercial stellarator fusion pilot plant capable of producing 250 MW of electricity delivered to the grid within 12 years. Their goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and economically attractive method for energy transition, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and offering energy security to nations worldwide.

Key collaborators and partners include:

• Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
• Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL)
• U.S. Department of Energy
• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
• Princeton University

Recent innovations include advancements in tritium extraction from liquid lithium breeding materials, a crucial component for fusion reactor fuel cycles. Stellarex is working on scaling up this technology for use in their stellarator reactor program.

While specific recent published papers are not mentioned, the company's collaboration with academic institutions and national laboratories suggests ongoing research and development in fusion energy technology.

Fusion Approach

Stellarex Inc. is developing fusion energy using the stellarator approach. Here's an explanation of their fusion method:

Fusion Approach

The stellarator uses a complex arrangement of magnetic fields to confine and control plasma:

1. Magnetic confinement: Powerful electromagnets generate twisting magnetic fields that create optimal and stable conditions for fusion reactions.
2. Plasma control: The twisted magnetic field configuration helps confine the plasma more effectively than traditional tokamak designs.
3. Steady-state operation: Stellarators can potentially operate continuously, unlike pulsed tokamak reactors.
4. Advanced optimization: Stellarex leverages computational methods to optimize the magnetic field configuration for improved plasma stability and performance.

Fuel Used

While not explicitly stated, Stellarex likely uses a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel, which is standard in fusion research. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, while tritium would be bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

Stellarex's energy capture method likely follows typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: High-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions are captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: The neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to produce steam.
4. Electricity generation: Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity through conventional methods.

Stellarex aims to develop a prototype commercial stellarator fusion pilot plant capable of producing 250 MW of electricity delivered to the grid. Their approach focuses on creating a reliable, safe, and economically attractive method for clean energy production.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Stellarex Inc. has achieved several significant milestones in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the future:

Milestones in past 12 months

1. Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in May 2024 to collaborate on stellarator fusion energy development.
2. Entered into an MOU with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to explore the development and deployment of fusion energy in Ontario.
3. Continued development of the Stellarex intermediate stellarator (SX0) to confirm net energy gain milestone using tritium and deuterium.
4. Advanced work on the MUSE prototype at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
5. Expanded partnerships with various institutions, including Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Hatch, Kinectrics, and several Ontario universities.

Future Plans

1. Explore establishing a center of excellence for fusion energy in Ontario.
2. Work with OPG to identify potential future siting and deployment of a stellarator fusion energy device in Ontario.
3. Collaborate with IPP on optimizing plasma confinement and power/particle control.
4. Continue development of the Stellarex intermediate stellarator (SX0).

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Stellarex aims to develop a prototype commercial stellarator fusion pilot plant capable of producing 250 MW of electricity delivered to the grid.

Demo target date

While a specific demo target date is not mentioned, Stellarex is working towards demonstrating net energy gain (Q > 1) using tritium and deuterium with their intermediate stellarator (SX0).

Commercial target date

Stellarex's goal is to have a working commercial fusion reactor within the next decade, suggesting a target date in the early to mid-2030s.

Terra Fusion Energy Corporation

Overview

Terra Fusion Energy Corporation, founded in 2023, is an innovative fusion energy startup based in Maryland. The company was established by Francesco Sciortino, who serves as the co-founder and CEO.

While the exact number of employees is not specified, Terra Fusion likely operates with a small team typical of early-stage fusion startups.

Specific funding details are not provided in the available information, but as a participant in the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator, the company may have received initial support and resources to develop its fusion technology.

Terra Fusion targets the clean energy market, aiming to develop commercially viable fusion reactors for sustainable power generation. Their goal is to provide fusion energy by the mid-2030s.

Recent innovations and published papers are not detailed in the available information. However, as a startup in the fusion energy sector, Terra Fusion is likely working on developing novel approaches to fusion technology.

It's important to note that the information available about Terra Fusion Energy Corporation is limited, and some details may require further verification.

Fusion Approach

Terra Fusion Energy Corporation uses Centrifugal Magnetic Mirror as its fusion approach. Here’s how it works:

Fusion Approach

Terra Fusion Energy Corporation likely uses one of the main fusion approaches:

1. Magnetic Confinement Fusion:
• Uses powerful magnetic fields to confine and control hot plasma.
• The plasma is heated to extreme temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius).
• Common designs include tokamaks and stellarators.
2. Inertial Confinement Fusion:
• Uses high-powered lasers or particle beams to compress and heat a small fuel target.
• The rapid compression and heating cause fusion reactions.

Fuel Used

Most fusion approaches, including Terra Fusion's, likely use a mixture of deuterium and tritium (D-T) as fuel:

• Deuterium: A naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen, easily extracted from seawater.
• Tritium: A radioactive isotope of hydrogen, typically bred within the reactor using lithium.

Planned Energy Capture Approach

The energy capture method for Terra Fusion's reactor would likely follow typical fusion reactor designs:

1. Neutron absorption: Fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, captured in a surrounding blanket.
2. Heat generation: Neutron absorption heats the blanket material.
3. Steam production: The heat is used to generate steam.
4. Electricity generation: Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Terra Fusion Energy Corporation aims to provide fusion energy by the mid-2030s, suggesting they are working on developing a commercially viable fusion reactor using one of these approaches.

Milestones achieved in 2024 and plans ahead

Based on the available information, I cannot provide specific milestones or plans for Terra Fusion Energy Corporation in 2024. I could not find any relevant information about this company's recent achievements or future plans.

For fusion energy companies in general, some common milestones and targets include:

Milestones in past 12 months

• Advancing reactor designs and prototypes
• Securing additional funding and partnerships
• Achieving higher plasma temperatures or confinement times

Future Plans

Anticipated MWe of first commercial operating facility

Most fusion companies are targeting plants in the range of 50-500 MWe for their first commercial facilities.

Demo target date

Many fusion companies aim to demonstrate net energy gain or a prototype reactor by the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Commercial target date

The majority of fusion energy companies are targeting commercial operations in the 2030s, with some aiming for the early part of the decade and others for the latter half.

However, it's important to note that these are general industry trends and may not reflect Terra Fusion Energy Corporation's specific plans or achievements. Without concrete data about this particular company, I cannot provide accurate details about their milestones or future plans.