This Week’s Fusion News: May 9, 2025
Things You Gotta Know
Microsoft Fusion Summit Highlights AI’s Role in Accelerating Fusion Research
The inaugural Microsoft Research Fusion Summit convened global experts to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing nuclear fusion research. The discussion centered on leveraging AI for plasma control, materials discovery, reactor optimization, and predictive maintenance. The summit underscored AI’s potential to expedite the development of fusion energy solutions.
U.S. Fusion Research Uncovers Unexpected Heat Flow Barrier
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered that heat transfer between materials in high-energy-density plasma behaves differently than previously understood. Using the Omega-60 laser, they observed that even at temperatures of 180,000°F, heat struggles to move between different materials. This finding challenges existing assumptions about thermal conduction in extreme conditions, providing new insights crucial for developing inertial confinement fusion technologies.
Tokamak Energy Receives Tokyo’s Green Transformation Award
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has honored Tokamak Energy under its Green Transformation (GX) Foreign Company Entry Support Program. The award recognizes the company’s advancements in fusion energy and high-temperature superconductors (HTS). Tokamak Energy has established a network of partnerships in Japan, including collaborations with Furukawa Electric, the University of Tokyo, Kyoto Fusioneering, and Sumitomo Corporation, positioning itself as a key player in Japan’s sustainable energy initiatives.
China’s BEST Reactor Targets First Plasma Within Two Years
China is advancing its fusion energy program by constructing the Burning Plasma Experiment Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) in Hefei. Positioned as an intermediary step between the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) and the forthcoming China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR), BEST aims to achieve first plasma by 2027.
US Scientists Solve 70-Year-Old Fusion Confinement Challenge
A team of U.S. scientists has resolved a longstanding issue in magnetic confinement fusion related to the containment of high-energy particles. By developing a method to map weak spots in magnetic fields, they have enhanced the ability to confine alpha particles within stellarator designs. This breakthrough not only improves the efficiency of stellarators but also has implications for tokamak reactors, potentially mitigating the risk of runaway electrons.
Swiss Fusion Breakthrough: Cooling Overheated Tokamak Plasma
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a novel method to manage excess heat in tokamak reactors, crucial for maintaining reactor integrity. The team, led by Kenneth Lee, conducted experiments at the Variable Configuration Tokamak (TCV) and introduced the X-point target radiator (XPTR) concept. By incorporating a second X-point in the magnetic funnel (divertor), they significantly enhanced heat-removing radiation. This innovation reduces the risk of plasma overheating, improving reactor safety and efficiency. The XPTR concept may soon be applied to next-generation reactors like SPARC, developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems in collaboration with MIT.
Key Fusion Energy Subsystems: Marx Generators
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Marx Generators are crucial to fusion energy, from Z-pinch to MagLIF systems. We explain how they work, their evolution, and why they’re central to inertial confinement fusion. Discover how next-gen IMGs could transform fusion commercialization.
Insider Interview: 7 Questions with Xcimer Energy
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Ignition Research sat down with Conner Galloway, CEO/Founder, and Alexander Valys, President/Founder, of Xcimer Energy Corporation, to discuss their company and the future of fusion energy development.
Is Fusion Energy Development Stalling?
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Fusion energy may seem quiet in Q2, but the industry isn’t stalling—it’s evolving. We examine recent headlines, funding patterns, and real progress in the fusion industry’s current state.
