Fusion News

Dr. Cyd Cowley, working at the intersection of fusion and AI at FIA affiliate member digiLab, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below.

1. US firm unveils world’s largest 350MW stellarator fusion power design basishttps://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-stellarator-fusion-power-design-basis?group=test_b

2. Bill Gates-backed Commonwealth Fusion Systems hits key reactor construction milestone

https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/25/bill-gates-backed-commonwealth-fusion-systems-hits-key-reactor-construction-milestone/

3.Marvel Fusion secures €113 million in Series B funding

https://technews180.com/funding-news/marvel-fusion-secures-e113-million-in-series-b-funding/

4. Germany plans 1 gigawatt nuclear fusion facility at famous Biblis reactor sitehttps://interestingengineering.com/energy/germany-1gw-nuclear-fusion-power-plant?group=test_b

5.Thea Energy Hits Milestone in Quest to Simplify Fusion

https://heatmap.news/climate-tech/thea-energy-fusion-stellarator-magnets

Bonus:

https://www.sustainability-times.com/low-carbon-energy/three-times-the-size-of-the-pentagon-this-giant-fusion-research-center-rising-in-china-is-rewriting-the-rules-of-energy/

https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fusion-industry-association-ceo-andrew-holland-highlights-key-reports-at-iaea-fusion-webinar/

Dr. Cyd Cowley, working at the intersection of fusion and AI at FIA affiliate member digiLab, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below.1. German Startup Publishes Open-Source Plans for Fusion Power Planthttps://www.wsj.com/articles/german-startup-publishes-open-source-plans-for-nuclear-fusion-power-plant-7b2b62412. Fusion: WEST Machine beats the world record for plasma durationhttps://phys.org/news/2025-02-nuclear-fusion-west-machine-world.html3. The quest for better fusion reactors is putting a new generation of superconductors to the test https://physicsworld.com/a/the-quest-for-better-fusion-reactors-is-putting-a-new-generation-of-superconductors-to-the-test/#:~:text=Feature-,The%20quest%20for%20better%20fusion%20reactors%20is%20putting%20a,of%20superconductors%20to%20the%20test&text=Fusion%20%E2%80%93%20the%20process%20that%20powers,unlimited%20amounts%20of%20clean%20energy.4. Doctoral training to develop the next generation of fusion energy expertshttps://ccfe.ukaea.uk/doctoral-training-to-develop-the-next-generation-of-fusion-energy-experts/Bonus: https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fia-holds-fourth-annual-policy-conference/https://x.com/TokamakEnergy/status/1892851016938508349 https://youtu.be/RhABLT7N1bs?si=a_tFFYy52CpqHyiK

Mechanical design engineer Jasmine Mund gives this week's global fusion news update, summarizing behind all of the major headlines. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below.

1. A retired coal plant to become a 350MW stellarator fusion power facilityhttps://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tva-signs-up-for-type-one-energy-fusion-plant

2. Neutron isotropy measurements validate shared-flow-stabilized z pinches for stable thermal fusionhttps://phys.org/news/2025-02-neutron-isotropy-validate-stabilized-stable.html

3. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories expands clean energy siting invitation to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storagehttps://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/02/05/clean-energy/canadian-nuclear-laboratories-expands-clean-energy-siting-invitation-to-include-fusion-hydrogen-and-battery-storage

Bonus:

Modi and Macron visit ITER site in southern France

https://apnews.com/video/modi-and-macron-visit-iter-site-in-southern-france-3246594f36774e55b38d2708d4b49d6a

European Parliament Hosts First-of-a-Kind Fusion Public Hearing

https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/european-parliament-hosts-first-of-a-kind-fusion-public-hearing/

In this special edition of Fusion News, Fusion Industry Association CEO Andrew Holland summarizes fusion's progress in 2024 and introduces some of the major headlines from the year. Links to news stories are included below. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2025!

1. Nuclear Startup Pacific Fusion Nabs $900 Million in Funding

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-25/nuclear-startup-pacific-fusion-raises-900-million-in-funding

2. Thales and the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics set a world record in the field of nuclear fusion

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/group/press_release/thales-and-max-planck-institute-plasma-physics-set-world-record-field

3. The nuclear fusion industry is having a growth spurt

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/17/nuclear-fusion-companies-funding

4. Record electron temperatures for a small-scale, sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion device achieved

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-electron-temperatures-small-scale-stabilized.html

https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.155101

5. G7 Puts Fusion Forward at the Climate Energy and Environment Ministers Meeting

https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/g7-puts-fusion-forward-at-the-climate-energy-and-environment-ministers-meeting/

6. Helion secures license for Polaris fusion

https://www.neimagazine.com/news/helion-secures-licence-to-advance-polaris-fusion-facility/

December 11, 2024

Mechanical engineer Jasmine Mund gives today's Fusion News episode, summarizing the major fusion news headlines from the past two weeks. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. General Fusion confirms significant fusion neutron yield and plasma stability during MTF compression experiment series with new peer-reviewed publication https://generalfusion.com/post/general-fusion-confirms-significant-fusion-neutron-yield-and-plasma-stability-during-mtf-compression-experiment-series-with-new-peer-reviewed-publication/ 2. China ships vital ITER modules for assembly of world’s largest fusion reactor https://interestingengineering.com/energy/china-made-components-iter-fusion-reactor 3. Researchers reveal the mechanism of runaway electron generation in tokamak fusion reactors https://phys.org/news/2024-12-reveal-mechanism-runaway-electron-generation.html 4. Tokamak Energy partners with U.S. DOE and UK’s DESNZ to accelerate fusion development through $52m ST40 upgrade https://tokamakenergy.com/2024/12/05/tokamak-energy-partners-with-u-s-doe-and-uks-desnz-to-accelerate-fusion-development-through-52m-st40-upgrade/ 5. Nuclear Data InterAgency Working Group Funding Opportunity https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOEOS/bulletins/3c3e19c Bonuses: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-worlds-first-fusion-energy-cafe-opens-to-fuel-hungry-minds https://physicsworld.com/a/optimization-algorithm-gives-laser-fusion-a-boost/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iter-organization_fusionenergy-iter-virtualtour-activity-7267601893353250819-GPI3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

October 30, 2024

Mechanical design engineer Jasmine Mund gives this week's global fusion news update, summarizing behind all of the major headlines. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Tokamak Energy gives details of pilot fusion energy plant design https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tokamak-energy-gives-details-of-pilot-fusion-energy-plant-design 2. Thales and the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics set a world record in the field of nuclear fusion https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/group/press_release/thales-and-max-planck-institute-plasma-physics-set-world-record-field 3. For Heating Plasma in Fusion Devices, Researchers Unravel How Electrons Respond to Neutral Beam Injection https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/articles/heating-plasma-fusion-devices-researchers-unravel-how-electrons-respond 4. Nuclear fusion push: General Atomics releases FUSE to speed up reactor development https://interestingengineering.com/energy/general-atomics-fuse-nuclear-fusion-energy 5. U.S. Department of Energy Announces Nearly $30 Million for 13 Projects to Enable Commercial Fusion Energy https://arpa-e.energy.gov/news-and-media/press-releases/us-department-energy-announces-nearly-30-million-13-projects-enable Bonus: https://energynews.pro/en/progress-of-fusion-reactors-in-spain-and-new-zealand/ https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/fusion-as-the-future-of-baseload-energy-powering-a-decarbonised-world/52112/ https://physics.aps.org/articles/v17/s127 https://interestingengineering.com/energy/mast-upgrade-1600-fusion-plasma-pulses https://interestingengineering.com/science/plasma-thrusters-nuclear-fusion-boost

Fusion News: October 16, 2024

Dr. Cyd Cowley, working at the intersection of fusion and AI at FIA affiliate member digiLab, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Zap Energy shows off its new fusion power prototype, Century https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/09/zap-energy-shows-off-its-new-fusion-power-prototype-century/ 2. Fusion, the Web and electric planes: how spin-offs from big science are transforming the world https://physicsworld.com/a/fusion-the-web-and-electric-planes-how-spin-offs-from-big-science-are-transforming-the-world/ 3. Stopping off-the-wall behavior in fusion reactors https://phys.org/news/2024-10-wall-behavior-fusion-reactors.html 4. Japan’s tokamak sets world record, achieves plasma volume of 160 cubic meters https://interestingengineering.com/energy/world-largest-tokamak-jt-60sa-plasma Bonuses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az4J5H2FXkE&list=PLy5tg85zU5CCWzhG0yrg9NK_0HCtirp_n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDi4uf25hfo

Fusion News: October 2, 2024

Jeff Peachman, PhD student at the University of Washington, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Marvel Fusion lands $70M for laser-powered fusion bet https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/marvel-fusion-lands-70m-for-laser-powered-fusion-bet/ 2. Fusion fuel mix could stabilize burning plasma https://euro-fusion.org/eurofusion-news/fusion-fuel-mix-could-stabilise-burning-plasma/ 3. Researchers build AI model database to find new alloys for nuclear fusion facilities https://phys.org/news/2024-09-ai-database-alloys-nuclear-fusion.html 4. After Latest ITER Delay, Senators Quiz Fusion Experts over Commercial Reactor Timelines https://ww2.aip.org/fyi/after-latest-iter-delay-senators-quiz-fusion-experts-over-commercial-reactor-timelines Bonus: Zero: Inside a $2 Billion Nuclear Fusion Startup https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2024-09-25/zero-inside-a-2-billion-nuclear-fusion-startup-podcast Fusion Energy Closer With Help From Self-Driving Robot Dogs; https://www.newsweek.com/nuclear-fusion-clean-energy-self-driving-robot-dogs-1957720

Jasmine Mund, mechanical design engineer, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. World’s most powerful stellarator begins experiment for better fusion energy https://interestingengineering.com/energy/stellarator-wendelstein-7-x-nuclear-fusion 2. Chinese start-up aims for nuclear fusion at half the cost of US rivals https://www.ft.com/content/bf012cd9-1624-49c1-8352-5a91fb4d9a21 3. ‘World’s largest’ tokamak’s stable Deuterium-Tritium plasmas to help reactor design https://interestingengineering.com/energy/jet-tokamak-deuterium-tritium-plasmas 4. Tokamak Energy launches TE Magnetics https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/tokamak-energy-launches-te-magnetics?mc_cid=298a918966 Bonus: Could powerful lasers unlock cheap fusion power? https://bbc.com/news/articles/cml2pyvmw9ro Measuring the gamma-ray-to-neutron branching ratio in the deuterium-tritium reaction https://phys.org/news/2024-09-gamma-ray-neutron-ratio-deuterium.html Draghi’s Report on European Competitiveness Highlights Fusion as a Disruptive Technology https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/draghis-report-on-european-competitiveness-highlights-fusion-as-a-disruptive-technology/ First plasma marks major milestone in UW–Madison fusion energy research https://www.wisconsin.edu/all-in-wisconsin/story/first-plasma-marks-major-milestone-in-uw-madison-fusion-energy-research/ Nuclear fusion reactor created by school teenager successfully achieved plasma https://interestingengineering.com/energy/nuclear-fusion-reactor-by-teenager-achieved-plasma

Dr. Cyd Cowley, Fusion Solutions Engineer, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Inside China’s race to lead the world in nuclear fusion https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02759-x 2. STEP forward to fusion https://royalsociety.org/blog/2024/08/step-forward-to-fusion/ 3. DOE awards $4.6M for fusion research https://www.neimagazine.com/news/doe-awards-4-6m-for-fusion-research/ 4. The UK nuclear fusion start-up helping the US develop stealth submarines https://www.ft.com/content/570267a4-657e-4c6b-805d-7b29a637e546 Bonus: Opinion | The world-saving potential of nuclear fusion just got a huge boost. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/08/20/artificial-intelligence-nuclear-fusion-research/ FIA List of Fusion Events at NYC Climate Week Events https://x.com/Fusion_Industry/status/1826692360627257631

Dr. Leigh Ann Kesler, fusion consultant, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Bill Gates-backed Type One Energy lands massive seed extension to commercialize fusion power https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/30/bill-gates-backed-type-one-energy-lands-massive-seed-extension-to-commercialize-fusion-power/ 2. South Korea to invest $866M in fusion energy development https://www.neimagazine.com/news/south-korea-to-invest-866m-in-fusion-energy-development/ 3. Fusion Closer to Reality as Scientists Smash Density Limit by Factor of 10 https://www.sciencealert.com/fusion-closer-to-reality-as-scientists-smash-density-limit-by-factor-of-10 4. Helion secures license for Polaris fusion https://www.neimagazine.com/news/helion-secures-licence-to-advance-polaris-fusion-facility/ 5. Nuclear fusion prototype will be 'UK's Nasa moment' https://bbc.com/news/articles/c80e86d1kl3o Bonus: The secret force for limitless energy? Lasers - TED Talk by Tammy Ma https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_ma_the_secret_force_for_limitless_energy_lasers?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Celebrating ignition through art at City Center Bishop Ranch https://www.llnl.gov/article/51456/celebrating-ignition-through-art-city-center-bishop-ranch Zap Energy targets fusion power without magnets, Claudia de Rham on the beauty of gravity https://physicsworld.com/a/zap-energy-targets-fusion-power-without-magnets-claudia-de-rham-on-the-beauty-of-gravity/#:~:text=At%20zap%20energy%2C%20which%20is,about%20her%20career%20in%20research.

Jeff Peachman, PhD student at the University of Wisconsin, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Fusion pioneer Commonwealth Fusion Systems is selling core magnet tech to the University of Wisconsin https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/12/lets-not-kick-down-the-ladder-commonwealth-fusion-systems-shares-its-secret-sauce/ 2. How China’s huge industrial supply chain may lead to ‘artificial sun’ via nuclear fusion https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3269357/how-chinas-massive-industrial-supply-chain-may-help-give-rise-artificial-sun 3. China Outspends the U.S. on Fusion in the Race for Energy’s Holy Grail https://www.wsj.com/world/china/china-us-fusion-race-4452d3be 4. The nuclear fusion industry is having a growth spurt https://www.axios.com/2024/07/17/nuclear-fusion-companies-funding Bonus: WHAM! Nuclear fusion experiment hits new record for magnet strength https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/18/wham-nuclear-fusion-experiment-hits-new-record-for-magnet-strength/ Advancements in Z-pinch fusion: New insights from plasma pressure profiles https://www.llnl.gov/article/51431/advancements-z-pinch-fusion-new-insights-plasma-pressure-profiles Kiwi physicist puts New Zealand in the nuclear fusion race https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-ratu-mataira-openstar-founder-on-his-mission-to-unlock-the-power-of-fusion-energy/ Split of Fusion Regulation from Fission Codified by New Law https://ww2.aip.org/fyi/split-of-fusion-regulation-from-fission-codified-by-new-law

Jasmine Mund, mechanical engineer, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Groundbreaking research at NSIRC and Lancaster University set to transform fusion reactor development https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/groundbreaking-research-nsirc-and-lancaster-university-set-transform-fusion-reactor 2. Multinational fusion energy project marks completion of its most complex magnet system https://phys.org/news/2024-07-multinational-fusion-energy-complex-magnet.html 3. ITER fusion reactor hit by massive decade-long delay and €5bn price hike https://physicsworld.com/a/iter-fusion-reactor-hit-by-massive-decade-long-delay-and-e5bn-price-hike/ Bonus: What next: Further implosion space exploration on the path to NIF extended yield capability https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pop/article/31/6/062712/3299549/What-next-Further-implosion-space-exploration-on?searchresult=1 Nuclear fusion challenges: Low pressure, high temperature, and the electromagnetic field https://www.power-technology.com/sponsored/nuclear-fusion-challenges-low-pressure-high-temperature-and-the-electromagnetic-field/ FIA Launches 2024 Supply Chain Report https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fia-launches-2024-supply-chain-report/ Fusion Industry Association and The Fusion Cluster Lay Out Strategic Priorities Ahead of UK Election https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fusion-industry-association-and-the-fusion-cluster-lay-out-strategic-priorities-ahead-of-uk-election/

Cyd Cowley, Fusion Solution Consultant at digiLab, gives today's global Fusion News update, highlighting the major recent developments in fusion. Links to all the fusion news stories are included below: 1. Hybrid design could make nuclear fusion reactors more efficient https://www.newscientist.com/article/2435679-hybrid-design-could-make-nuclear-fusion-reactors-more-efficient/ 2. Fusion Sparks an Energy Revolution https://www.wired.com/story/fusion-sparks-an-energy-revolution/ 3. A Plasma Escape Plan Solved a Monumental Fusion Roadblock https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a61112081/plasma-escape-plan-fusion-reactor-breakthrough/ 4. CNL launches new initiatives to fast-track fusion energy deployment https://www.neimagazine.com/news/cnl-launches-new-initiatives-to-fast-track-fusion-energy-deployment/ Bonus: https://fusioniscoming.com/ https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/us-senate-passes-advance-act-including-legislation-to-codify-us-fusion-regulations/

Alexander Behzadi, Environmental Scientist, presents today's fusion news update. Links to the stories mentioned are included below. 1. White House forges deals with fusion pioneers https://www.eenews.net/articles/white-house-forges-deals-with-fusion-pioneers/ 2. UKAEA renews engineering framework agreement to boost fusion https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukaea-renews-engineering-framework-agreement-to-boost-fusion 3. ‘Star Wars’ lasers and waterfalls of molten salt: How Xcimer plans to make fusion power happen https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/04/star-wars-lasers-and-waterfalls-of-molten-salt-how-xcimer-plans-to-make-fusion-power-happen/ 4. AI-Powered Fusion: The Key to Limitless Clean Energy https://scitechdaily.com/ai-powered-fusion-the-key-to-limitless-clean-energy/ 5. DIII-D, San Diego’s Nuclear Fusion Lab, is Back Online After Nearly a Year https://timesofsandiego.com/tech/2024/05/26/diii-d-san-diegos-nuclear-fusion-lab-is-back-online-after-nearly-a-year/ Bonus: ITER Private Sector Fusion Workshop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDG1fbX9CGY

Jeff Peachman, graduate student studying Flow Z-Pinches at the University of Washington, gives today's biweekly global Fusion News update. Links to the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Physicists overcome two key operating hurdles in fusion reactions https://phys.org/news/2024-04-physicists-key-hurdles-fusion-reactions.html 2. Fusion record set for tungsten tokamak WEST https://www.pppl.gov/news/2024/fusion-record-set-tungsten-tokamak-west 3. UK to launch search for industry partners to develop prototype fusion energy plant https://ccfe.ukaea.uk/uk-to-launch-search-for-industry-partners-to-develop-prototype-fusion-energy-plant/ 4. G7 Puts Fusion Forward at the Climate Energy and Environment Ministers Meeting https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/g7-puts-fusion-forward-at-the-climate-energy-and-environment-ministers-meeting/ Bonuses: Fusion Energy Week https://usfusionenergy.org/fusion-energy-week The latest developments in fusion energy - with the UKAEA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI5K7PCiW3Y CFS Fusionland https://twitter.com/CFS_energy/status/1787897202364293433?t=slk-FW7DrVeydk5RXN-LYw&s=19

Jasmine Mund, mechanical engineer, gives today's Fusion News update - summarizing the major recent headlines in fusion energy. Links to all of the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Record electron temperatures for a small-scale, sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion device achieved https://phys.org/news/2024-04-electron-temperatures-small-scale-stabilized.html Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 155101 (2024) - Elevated Electron Temperature Coincident with Observed Fusion Reactions in a Sheared-Flow-Stabilized $Z$ Pinch https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.155101 2. MIT’s superconducting magnets are ready for fusion | MIT Technology Review https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/04/23/1090425/mits-superconducting-magnets-are-ready-for-fusion/ 3. U.S. lawmakers introduce bill aimed at accelerating nuclear fusion https://www.power-eng.com/nuclear/u-s-lawmakers-introduce-bill-aimed-at-accelerating-nuclear-fusion/#gref 4. Creating an island paradise in a fusion reactor https://phys.org/news/2024-04-island-paradise-fusion-reactor.html 5. Europe delivers equipment for ITER’s cold vacuum circuit - Fusion for Energy https://fusionforenergy.europa.eu/news/europe-delivers-equipment-for-iters-cold-vacuum-circuit/ Bonus: Q&A: Dr. Michael Ford on the Potential for Fusion-Powered Ships Sea Technology magazine (sea-technology.com) https://sea-technology.com/dr-michael-ford-princeton-plasma-physics-laboratory-interview-nuclear-fusion-ship-energy Energy Switch | Nuclear Fusion | Season 4 | Episode 1 | PBS https://www.pbs.org/video/nuclear-fusion-lgmexv/ The race to fusion energy: a geopolitical opportunity that encourages international collaboration. https://www.theconferencecorner.info/post/the-race-to-fusion-energy-a-geopolitical-opportunity-that-encourages-international-collaboration Building the cruise control of a nuclear fusion reactor | Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research https://www.differ.nl/news/phd-gijs-derks-2024 The Hope and Hype of Fusion Energy, Explained - Joseph Polidoro - The Dispatch https://thedispatch.com/article/the-hope-and-hype-of-fusion-energy-explained/ The EU blueprint for fusion energy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AY7807KGJI

April 17, 2024

Fusion News

Leigh Ann Kesler, fusion consultant specializing in science communications, gives today’s Fusion News update. Watch for a summary of the latest in fusion energy worldwide. Links to the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Korea’s Artificial Sun Just Shattered a Fusion Record https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a60359873/kstar-fusion-reactor-plasma/ 2. Everett’s Helion eyes Central WA for groundbreaking energy venture https://www.heraldnet.com/news/everetts-helion-eyes-central-wa-for-groundbreaking-energy-venture/ 3. US, Japan announce partnership to accelerate nuclear fusion https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-japan-announce-joint-partnership-accelerate-nuclear-fusion-sources-2024-04-10/ 4. Americans Supportive but Misinformed About Fusion Energy's Promise https://ou.edu/news/articles/2024/april/americans-supportive-but-misinformed-about-fusion-energys-promise#:~:text=This%20first%2Dof%2Dits%2D,fusion%20energy%20in%20the%20U.S. 5. Max Planck spinout nets €20M to build ‘stellarator’ fusion machine https://thenextweb.com/news/german-startup-max-planck-proxima-fusion-stellarator Bonuses Supercomputer: https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/ie-explainer/season-10/can-dawn-supercomputer-deliver-green-fusion-energy Gates/Bezos: https://emagazine.com/bill-gates-jeff-bezos-excited-about-promise-of-nuclear-fusion/ Forbes on Fusion: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2024/04/08/nuclear-fusion-is-not-a-moonshot-but-an-attainable-goal/?sh=16484497494f EuroNews ITER: https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/03/26/inside-the-worlds-first-reactor-that-will-power-earth-using-the-same-nuclear-reaction-as-t Fusion-enhanced pulsed plasma propulsion drive: https://thedebrief.org/rocketstar-successfully-demonstrates-firestar-nuclear-fusion-enhanced-pulsed-plasma-propulsion-drive/ NPR podcast: https://www.npr.org/2024/03/15/1198909506/commercial-nuclear-fusion-clean-energy-helion-investment FIA 2024 Conference: https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fia-hosts-2024-annual-policy-conference/ https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/nuclear-fusion-backers-meet-us-capital-competition-with-china-looms-2024-03-20/

March 20, 2024

Fusion News

Dr. Leigh Ann Kesler, engineer and fusion consultant specializing in science communication, gives an update on the global development of fusion energy. Links to all the stories mentioned are given below. 1. Inverting Fusion Plasmas Improves Performance https://phys.org/news/2024-03-inverting-fusion-plasmas.html 2. Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion https://news.mit.edu/2024/tests-show-high-temperature-superconducting-magnets-fusion-ready-0304 3. First Light Fusion hails success of initial test in Z Machine https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/First-Light-Fusion-hails-success-of-initial-test-i#:~:text=The%20UK's%20First%20Light%20Fusion,new%20pressure%20record%20for%20quartz. 4. Japan laser fusion startup seeks more partners https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Japan-laser-fusion-startup-seeks-more-partners 5. Longview Fusion selects Fluor to design laser fusion plant https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newslongview-fusion-selects-fluor-to-design-laser-fusion-plant-11594517 Bonuses: Fusion Focus at Congressional Hearing on “ARPA-E’s role in Developing Breakthrough Technologies” https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fusion-focus-at-congressional-hearing-on-arpa-es-role-in-developing-breakthrough-technologies/ New European Union Report Outlines New European Public-Private Partnerships for Fusion Energy https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/new-european-union-report-outlines-new-european-public-private-partnerships-for-fusion-energy/ Congress Increases U.S. Funding for Fusion Energy Sciences Research https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/congress-increases-u-s-funding-for-fusion-energy-sciences-research/

Fusion News: January 10, 2024

Jasmine Mund, a graduate mechanical engineer, gives the first fusion news update of 2024. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. FIA 2024 Policy Conference - March 20-21, Washington DC: https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fia-annual-conference-2024/ China Seeks Nuclear Fusion Leap Through New R&D Company: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-02/china-seeks-nuclear-fusion-leap-through-new-r-d-company 2. Sustained 'Artificial Sun' Promised by 2026 in Fusion Energy Upgrade: https://www.newsweek.com/sustained-artificial-sun-fusion-energy-1857042 3. Opening the Magnetic Bottle of a Tokamak Causes Particles to Rush Inward: https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/articles/opening-magnetic-bottle-tokamak-causes-particles-rush-inward#:~:text=Opening%20the%20Magnetic%20Bottle%20of%20a%20Tokamak%20Causes%20Particles%20to%20Rush%20Inward,-January%202%2C%202024&text=The%20evolution%20over%20time%20of,reduce%2C%20and%20the%20density%20increases. 4. JET to be repurposed after delivering final plasma: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsjet-to-be-repurposed-after-delivering-final-plasma-11405916 5. US fusion energy dreams edge closer to reality, Congress permitting: https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/02/fusions_future_is_looking_bright/ Bonuses: 1. EU and Japan celebrate start of operations of the JT-60SA fusion reactor and reaffirm close cooperation on fusion energy: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-and-japan-celebrate-start-operations-jt-60sa-fusion-reactor-and-reaffirm-close-cooperation-fusion-2023-12-01_en#:~:text=General%20for%20Energy-,EU%20and%20Japan%20celebrate%20start%20of%20operations%20of%20the%20JT,close%20cooperation%20on%20fusion%20energy&text=The%20EU%20and%20Japan%20have,located%20in%20Ibaraki%20Prefecture%2C%20Japan. 2. UKAEA awards £7.4m to develop lithium technologies for fusion: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukaea-awards-74m-to-develop-lithium-technologies-for-fusion#:~:text=UKAEA%20has%20awarded%20%C2%A37.4,sustainable%20fusion%20energy%20fuel%20cycle.&text=Lithium%20technologies%20are%20being%20developed,a%20fusion%20energy%20fuel%20cycle. 3. Inside the world's first reactor that will power Earth using the same nuclear reaction as the Sun: https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/12/26/inside-the-worlds-first-reactor-that-will-power-earth-using-the-same-nuclear-reaction-as-t 4. The need for fusion - with the UK Atomic Energy Authority: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_XZ-nh_Be4 5. Is nuclear fusion the future of clean energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuOBR7t1mG8

Fusion News: November 29, 2023

Jasmine Mund, a graduate mechanical engineer, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. US to announce global nuclear fusion strategy at COP28: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/us-announce-nuclear-fusion-strategy-cop28-2023-11-20/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20Nov%2020%20(Reuters),familiar%20with%20the%20announcement%20said. 2. Chantilly startup NearStar Fusion is developing a new form of energy tech: https://technical.ly/startups/nearstar-energy-tech/ 3. NTT adapts AI network analysis tool to detect faults in nuclear fusion reactors: https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/23/ntt_ai_nuclear_fusion_control/ 4. EU Parliament includes nuclear in Net-Zero Industry Act: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newseu-parliament-includes-nuclear-in-net-zero-industry-act-11322086 Bonuses: 1. Mapping Europe’s nuclear fusion: industryhttps://sifted.eu/articles/mapping-europes-nuclear-fusion-industry 2. Supermagnets changing the rules of nuclear fusion: https://asiatimes.com/2023/11/supermagnets-changing-the-rules-of-nuclear-fusion/ 3. What’s coming next for fusion research: https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/11/16/1083491/whats-coming-next-for-fusion-research/#:~:text=The%20dream%20of%20fusion%20power%20isn't%20going%20away%2C%20as,online%20as%20soon%20as%202028. 4. Oxfordshire Advanced Skills centre completes expansion, launching new opportunities for apprentices: https://ccfe.ukaea.uk/oxfordshire-advanced-skills-centre-completes-expansion-launching-new-opportunities-for-apprentices/ 5. Fusion industry has ambitious plans for 2035, rounding out this year’s Nobel prizes: https://physicsworld.com/a/fusion-industry-has-ambitious-plans-for-2035-rounding-out-this-years-nobel-prizes/#:~:text=Today%2C%20there%20is%20also%20a,to%20the%20grid%20by%202035.

Fusion News: November 15, 2023

Dr. Leigh Ann Kesler, a nuclear engineer and fusion consultant specializing in science communication, gives an update on the global development of fusion energy. Links to all the stories mentioned are given below. 1. First plasma fired up at world’s largest fusion reactor: https://www.science.org/content/article/first-plasma-fired-world-s-largest-fusion-reactor 2. Fusion Diary: the spherical tokamak story: https://asiatimes.com/2023/11/fusion-diary-the-spherical-tokamak-story/ 3. Focused Energy Partners with LLNL on a Target Design for Inertial Fusion Energy: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231107594701/en/Focused-Energy-Partners-with-LLNL-on-a-Target-Design-for-Inertial-Fusion-Energy 4. Petition calls on UK to save JET fusion experiment from closure: https://physicsworld.com/a/petition-calls-on-uk-to-save-jet-fusion-experiment-from-closure/#:~:text=More%20than%20750%20people%20have,fusion%20reactor%20in%20early%202024. 5. Joint Statement Between DOE and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Concerning a Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Fusion: https://www.energy.gov/articles/joint-statement-between-doe-and-uk-department-energy-security-and-net-zero-concerning#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Energy,and%20commercialization%20of%20fusion%20energy. Bonuses: 1. Nuclear fusion, new drugs, better batteries: how AI will transform science: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/audio/2023/nov/02/nuclear-fusion-new-drugs-better-batteries-how-ai-will-transform-science-podcast 2. Pursuing fusion power: https://knowablemagazine.org/article/physical-world/2023/the-challenge-of-fusion-power 3. China completes ITER magnet support components: https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/China-completes-ITER-magnet-support-components

Fusion News: November 1, 2023

Jasmine Mund, a graduate mechanical engineer, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. CEO appointed to deliver UK prototype fusion energy plant: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ceo-appointed-to-deliver-uk-prototype-fusion-energy-plant#:~:text=Minister%20for%20Nuclear%20and%20Networks%2C%20Andrew%20Bowie%20MP%2C%20has%20announced,built%20at%20West%20Burton%2C%20Nottinghamshire. 2. New IAEA Initiative to Enhance Fusion Energy Collaboration: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/new-iaea-initiative-to-enhance-fusion-energy-collaboration 3. Helical Fusion selected for Japanese grant: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newshelical-fusion-selected-for-japanese-grant-11234386 4. New Fusion Futures Programme gets £650m injection: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/new-fusion-futures-programme-gets-650m-injection/#:~:text=A%20major%20new%20funding%20package,new%20fuel%20cycle%20testing%20facility.&text=The%20%C2%A3650m%20Fusion%20Futures,by%20Nuclear%20Minister%20Andrew%20Bowie. 5. General Fusion and TRIUMF sign MOU to develop key technologies for new LM26 fusion machine: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/general-fusion-triumf-sign-mou-130000220.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACggZj94ruLXWOCx-otAqqToeIXdq0PnL1H1YaV1GROOFP9hZN_nMJyucpmnHFcXmb5zM-Uvw79omwF_m_xT3IWN2gUErstpFL7WFnzJRQ-Wi-qJ62526ew_g2CpmdckXe4KNDu3BYW1jxvzGSN5u0zjueM50-j4lbP4cEAtoAA6 Bonuses: 1. California recognises fusion energy as distinct from nuclear fission: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newscalifornia-recognises-fusion-energy-as-distinct-from-nuclear-fission-11228490#:~:text=California%20recognises%20fusion%20energy%20as%20distinct%20from%20nuclear%20fission,-18%20October%202023&text=California%20Governor%20Gavin%20Newsom%20has,technology%20from%20traditional%20nuclear%20fission. 2. Construction of new fusion facility begins in Spain: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsconstruction-of-new-fusion-facility-begins-in-spain-11213452#:~:text=Construction%20has%20started%20on%20the,in%20future%20fusion%20power%20reactors. 3. UK, Japan, and Canada Publish Fusion Regulatory Framework Recommendations: https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/uk-japan-and-canada-publish-fusion-regulatory-framework-recommendations/ 4. Five New Fusion Prospects, Minus the Neutrons: https://spectrum.ieee.org/aneutronic-fusion?utm_campaign=climatetechsub

October 18, 2023

Fusion News

Jeff Peachman, a graduate student at the University of Washington, shares exciting updates on recent developments in fusion energy. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Laser-fusion experiment squeezes out even more energy: https://www.science.org/content/article/laser-fusion-experiment-squeezes-out-even-more-energy#:~:text=Built%20for%20%243.5%20billion%2C%20NIF,about%20three%20sticks%20of%20dynamite. 2. Fueling the Future of Fusion Energy: https://www.newswise.com/doescience/fueling-the-future-of-fusion-energy/?article_id=800636#:~:text=Jefferson%20Lab%20is%20on%20the,akin%20to%20a%20spinning%20top 3. Pivotal Discovery Signals a Huge Leap Forward in Fusion Energy Reactor Progress: https://scitechdaily.com/pivotal-discovery-signals-a-huge-leap-forward-in-fusion-energy-reactor-progress/#:~:text=Pivotal%20Discovery%20Signals%20a%20Huge%20Leap%20Forward%20in%20Fusion%20Energy%20Reactor%20Progress,-TOPICS%3ADOEEnergy&text=A%20team%20of%20researchers%20has,damaging%20cycle%20of%20runaway%20electrons 4. JET experiments to test electronics in fusion environments: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jet-experiments-to-test-electronics-in-fusion-environments Bonuses: 1. SHINE raises $70M in state’s largest deal of the year so far: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/shine-raises-70m-in-states-largest-deal-of-the-year-so-far/ 2. Tokamak Energy's upgrades bring us closer to clean energy: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/tokamak-energy-nuclar-fusion-energy-plant 3. 29th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference (FEC 2023): https://www.iaea.org/events/fec2023 4. Preface to the Special Issue: The Emergence of Private Fusion Enterprises: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10894-023-00386-4#:~:text=Over%20the%20last%20decade%2C%20a,plans%20for%20commercializing%20fusion%20energy.

Fusion News: October 4, 2023

Alexander Behzadi, an environmental scientist and recent graduate from the St. Mary University of Maryland, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. A Futuristic Plan to Make Steel With Nuclear Fusion: https://www.wsj.com/business/a-futuristic-plan-to-make-steel-with-nuclear-fusion-2a18ac35 2. The Zap Energy approach to commercial fusion: https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pop/article/30/9/090603/2911595/The-Zap-Energy-approach-to-commercial-fusion?searchresult=1 3. Germany holds fusion hearing after funding and strategy announcements: https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/germany-holds-fusion-hearing-after-funding-and-strategy-announcements/ 4. SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS AS A CATALYST: https://www.iter.org/newsline/-/3929 Bonuses: 1. All-In Summit: Nuclear fusion and the potential for energy abundance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIPULlqA5Wc 2. U.S. aims to create nuclear fusion facility within 10 years, Energy chief says: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/us-aims-create-nuclear-fusion-facility-10-years-energy-chief-says-rcna117340?ex=digest 3. Fusion is almost here: This is no time for Congress to shortchange research funding: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4212327-fusion-is-almost-here-this-is-no-time-for-congress-to-shortchange-research-funding/

Fusion News: September 20, 2023

Cyd Cowley, a PhD student studying at the University of York and working at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Government announces up to £650 million for UK alternatives to Euratom R&T: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-up-to-650-million-for-uk-alternatives-to-euratom-rt 2. Germany plans to spend more than €1 bln on nuclear fusion research by 2028: https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germany-plans-spend-more-eu1-bln-nuclear-fusion-research-2028 3. Machine learning hunts for the right mix of hydrogen isotopes for future nuclear fusion power plants: https://phys.org/news/2023-09-machine-hydrogen-isotopes-future-nuclear.html 4. Tokamak Energy's Demo4 powers ahead with cryogenic success: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/fusion-energy-tokamak-energy-demo4-cryogenic Bonuses: https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/world-first-fusion-device-be-built-unsw-sydney#:~:text=Tokamak%20technology,point%20nuclear%20fusion%20is%20possible. https://shows.acast.com/heritage-events/episodes/the-power-hour-fusion-the-other-solar-energy

Fusion News: September 6, 2023

Alexander Behzadi, an environmental scientist and recent graduate from the St. Mary University of Maryland, gives today's global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below. 1. Nuclear fusion: Chinese power firm hails step forward in quest to build ‘artificial sun’ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3232459/nuclear-fusion-chinese-power-firm-hails-step-forward-quest-build-artificial-sun 2. First Light Fusion - First Light Fusion and Sandia National Laboratories announce new collaboration to test amplifier technology on the Z Machine https://www.ipgroupplc.com/news-and-events/portfolio-news/2023/2023-08-29b 3. Testing of ITER wall panel under way https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Testing-of-ITER-wall-panels-under-way 4. The Role of Peel-Resistant Protective Layers in Fusion Reactors https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=61801#:~:text=Developing%20a%20small%2C%20peel%2Dresistant,as%20liquid%20blankets%20and%20divertors. Bonuses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRaQLZaaHWo https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/24/fusion-power-challenges-founder-survey/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAE9UWpReyAIQVA4vcXHkeol3hJMqh5MU_ksaRBYS3FckkpLxBqL1rpX2IxwsN4-oIO2TjiPYBarazWknMTvDDfW_8vbRbDi7n6XDvnEH5trl21buRePx5UUT9mja0fvdfXgBBYE6YTe3irNoY5wUzMkkSKfJa_02588RCxnk_FKs

Jasmine Mund, a graduate mechanical engineer, gives a global fusion news update. Links to all the stories mentioned are included below.

August 23, 2023 1. US scientists repeat fusion power breakthrough https://www.ft.com/content/a9815bca-1b9d-4ba0-8d01-96ede77ba06a 2. SHINE Technologies achieves visible proof of fusion https://www.shinefusion.com/blog/shine-technologies-achieves-visible-proof-of-fusion 3. Scientists discover shortcut that aids the design of twisty fusion facilities https://phys.org/news/2023-08-scientists-shortcut-aids-twisty-fusion.html 4. Department of Energy announces $112 million for research on computational projects in fusion energy sciences https://www.energy.gov/science/articles/department-energy-announces-112-million-research-computational-projects-fusion 5. First Light Fusion working on medical isotopes https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsfirst-light-fusion-working-on-medical-isotopes-11050828 Bonus: https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1023387/british-nuclear-fusion-rocket-start-up-backed-by-government-in-us-partnership-1023387.html https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-fusion

2022 has been a monumental year for fusion; this week alone was immensely groundbreaking. In today’s episode of Fusion News, Cyd Cowley, PhD student at the University of York, gives updates on some of the major fusion developments from this year (as a continuation from the highlight episode published over the summer).

Dr. Hazel Lowe, Head of Laser Diagnostics at Tokamak Energy, gives updates on the latest in fusion news from around the world. 

Links to the articles mentioned are included below. 

1. Tokamak Energy ST80-HTS hailed as next step to grid fusion 

https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content... 

2. How do neutrons interact with reactor materials? 

https://phys.org/news/2022-10-neutron... 

3. Gigantic, 70-Foot Nuclear Fusion Gun Could Change the World 

https://www.newsweek.com/first-light-... 

4. General Atomics announces concept for Fusion Pilot Plant 

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Ar... 

Bonuses: 

Chinese researchers say they have made a huge breakthrough in their extraordinary pursuit of creating an artificial sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/2019945... 

China's new-generation 'artificial sun' makes a breakthrough https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-10-21... 

World’s First Nuclear Fusion Power Plant Wants to Equal Fossil Fuel Output https://www.newsweek.com/nuclear-fusi... 

What is nuclear fusion? Harnessing the power of the sun in the quest for clean energy https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-...

This week’s episode of Fusion News is a summary of recent fusion energy news stories presented by Dr. Hazel Lowe, Plasma Diagnostician at Tokamak Energy. Links to all of the articles mentioned are below. 

1. Clean energy’s new hope: really fast lasers https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cl... 

Marvel Fusion article Dr. Lowe mentions: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaf... 

2. Experts chip away at corrosion for the future of fusion 

https://phys.org/news/2022-06-experts... 

3. UK to LEAD ‘new era’ of energy with huge breakthrough to harness power of stars on Earth https://www.express.co.uk/news/scienc... 

4. To Make Commercial Fusion a Reality, MIT Is Joining Forces With a Bill Gates-Backed Startup https://www.popularmechanics.com/scie... Bonuses: 

The Cable Podcast featuring Marvel Fusion CEO Moritz von der Linden at 22:50 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/... 

Articles from Phys.org on what happens at the very edge of a tokamak plasma https://phys.org/news/2022-06-unprece... https://phys.org/news/2022-06-feedbac...