Once the subject of jokes and distant promises, nuclear fusion is now experiencing a resurgence, attracting significant investment and drawing startups into a fierce race to harness the power of the sun. As researchers and companies make strides in fusion technology, the promise of clean, nearly limitless energy becomes increasingly tangible.
The recent surge in interest and investment in nuclear fusion can be attributed to several key factors:
A growing number of startups are pushing the boundaries of fusion research and development, each with unique approaches and timelines:
CFS is a leading player in the fusion industry, having secured $1.8 billion in Series B funding. The company is focused on developing a commercially viable fusion power plant, "Sparc," using a tokamak design. Sparc utilizes high-temperature superconducting magnets to confine and compress the superheated plasma.
Founded in 2002, General Fusion has raised over $440 million. It is pursuing a different approach to fusion, known as "magnetized target fusion (MTF)," using a liquid metal wall to contain and compress the plasma.
Helion stands out with an aggressive timeline, aiming to produce electricity from its fusion reactor as early as 2028. The company utilizes a field-reversed configuration reactor, where magnets surround a reaction chamber. Helion has secured over $600 million in funding.
TAE Technologies (formerly Tri Alpha Energy) was spun out of the University of California, Irvine in 1998. The company also employs a field-reversed configuration, but with a unique twist, bombarding the plasma with particle beams to enhance stability and heat extraction.
Zap Energy, based in Everett, Washington, has secured over $327 million in funding. It utilizes a unique approach, using electric currents to generate a magnetic field that confines and compresses the plasma.
The current wave of enthusiasm and investment in nuclear fusion research signifies a growing belief in its potential to transform the energy landscape. These startups are pushing the boundaries of technology and tackling the challenges of building commercially viable fusion reactors.
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