Things You Gotta Know

U.S. Must Sustain Fusion Momentum to Lead Global Energy Future
The United States has achieved significant milestones in fusion energy, notably the 2022 ignition breakthrough at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. However, maintaining this leadership requires increased investment beyond the current $800 million annual federal funding. With over $7 billion in global private investments, predominantly in U.S. startups, the nation stands at a pivotal point. To avoid repeating past oversights, such as in semiconductor leadership, the U.S. must bolster its commitment to fusion research and development.​

Trade Tensions Threaten China’s Fusion Energy Progress
China’s advancements in fusion energy, exemplified by its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), face challenges due to escalating trade tensions with the U.S. Recent tariffs and export controls on critical technologies like semiconductors and AI components could hinder China’s fusion initiatives. Despite these hurdles, China continues to invest heavily in fusion research.

TAE Technologies Halves Fusion Reactor Costs with Innovative Design
California-based TAE Technologies has introduced a groundbreaking approach to fusion energy by developing a compact, linear reactor design that reduces costs by 50%. Utilizing Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasma and neutral beam injection, this method simplifies the reactor structure and enhances efficiency. This advancement accelerates the timeline toward commercially viable fusion power, marking a significant step in energy innovation.​

Europe Advances Fusion Energy Through ITER and Strategic Investments
The European Union is making substantial progress in fusion energy development through its leadership in the ITER project, located in southern France. ITER aims to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion as a new energy source. With the EU contributing 45% of the project’s funding, amounting to €5.61 billion between 2021 and 2027, Europe is positioning itself at the forefront of fusion research. Strategic plans, including the development of a demonstration power plant (DEMO), underscore the EU’s commitment to achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.

Fusion is Alive and Well in Germany

BY MICHAEL HEUMANN

Focused Energy has announced plans to build a fusion power plant at the former Biblis nuclear site in Germany. The company is advancing laser-based inertial confinement fusion (ICF) using simplified targets and a two-stage fast ignition architecture. The plant could leverage existing grid and infrastructure assets, accelerating the timeline and reducing costs..

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Interview with Pacific Fusion on Goals for their Inertial Confinement Demonstrator System

BY MICHAEL HEUMANN

Pacific Fusion’s inertial confinement Demonstration System (DS) aims for 100x the energy gain of NIF at a fraction of the cost. In this exclusive interview, President Will Regan shares how their pulsar-based approach could redefine commercial fusion viability and deliver net facility gain by 2030.

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