Virginia is for Lovers, and Fusion
Commonwealth Fusion Systems to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant in Virginia.
Things You Gotta Know
Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO and Virginia Governor Discuss Investment for the World’s First Grid-Scale Commercial Fusion Power Plant
World’s First 400MW Fusion Plant to Power 150,000 Homes
The U.S. is set to host the world’s first commercial nuclear fusion plant with a capacity of 400MW, capable of powering 150,000 homes. This landmark project marks a significant step toward realizing fusion as a practical energy source. The facility will demonstrate the viability of fusion energy on a commercial scale, potentially revolutionizing the global energy market with a clean and abundant power supply.
Sweden Launches Cutting-Edge Plasma Confinement Project
Sweden has announced a groundbreaking plasma confinement project, aiming to enhance the performance of fusion reactors. The initiative focuses on innovative designs to stabilize plasma, addressing one of the key challenges in achieving sustainable fusion energy. Sweden positions itself as a leader in next-generation fusion energy solutions with robust research support and advanced technology.
HB11 Energy Partners with World’s Largest Laser Lab
Australian startup HB11 Energy has partnered with the world’s largest laser lab to advance laser-driven fusion energy. This collaboration aims to refine HB11's innovative hydrogen-boron reaction approach, which offers a safer and more efficient pathway to fusion without radioactive waste. The partnership underscores the growing synergy between academic research and private innovation in the fusion energy sector.
UK Urged to Lead $3.1 Trillion Fusion Industry
The UK has been called to take decisive action to become a leader in the emerging $3.1 trillion nuclear fusion industry. With its strong scientific expertise and industrial base, the UK is well-positioned to drive innovation and capture economic benefits. However, experts warn that proactive investment and policy support are critical to staying competitive in the global fusion race.
Virginia Welcomes Commonwealth Fusion Systems
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Virginia is for lovers, and fusion: Virginia is known for many things. The state’s tourism slogan says, “Virginia is for Lovers.” Quantico and the CIA are among hundreds of government agencies headquartered in the state, along with the world's largest concentration of data centers for what are probably obvious reasons. According to the Data Center Map website, there are approximately 8100 major data centers worldwide today. About 500 are in northern Virginia and the Washington DC area, with another 100 more estimated to be under construction. These items and many other factors make Virginia a logical place for the Commonwealth Fusion Systems to build its first commercial fusion plant.
Could Santa Make His Deliveries With a Fusion-Powered Sleigh (or Fusion-Powered Reindeer)?
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
How science could help Santa: One of the things I like doing is looking at “urban myths” and trying to figure out if they could be physically possible and if so, how would you do it? In honor of the holiday season, let’s look at the question of “Could Santa Claus visit all the households in the world in one night?”. More specifically, could science (and not “magic”) provide a way that Santa Claus could do this?
ARPA-E Pulsed Power Workshop, IMGs, and The California Sun
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Fusion, lasers, and the beach: The ARPA-E Pulsed Power Workshop, held at UC San Diego's Center for Energy Research brought together leading experts in fusion energy and pulsed power technology. A highlight was the focus on Impedance-Matched Marx Generators (IMGs), an emerging pulsed power technology that offers superior energy efficiency (up to 90%), scalability, and cost-effectiveness for fusion applications.
10 Predictions for Fusion Energy in 2025
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
2025 - accelerating progress for fusion energy: In our 2024 fusion energy year in review, we hinted at many of the predictions we expect to see in the new year. As we approach 2025, the fusion energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with significant advancements and growing public and private interest. Here are our top 10 predictions for fusion energy in 2025.