Fusion Energy
Articles tagged with Fusion Energy
Understanding how lasers can rapidly magnetize fusion plasmas
High-powered lasers can vaporize a solid target, creating plasma that rapidly expands and generates strong magnetic fields. The team derived a simple threshold criterion to predict plasma magnetization for given laser and target parameters.
Transatlantic fusion energy research just got easier
A new 10-year project agreement advances US-EU collaboration on Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, a key experiment in fusion energy. The framework streamlines processes for joint research projects and provides a consistent legal structure for partnerships.
Expanding America’s role in fusion systems in France and Japan
A new international project will provide essential measurement equipment for two doughnut-shaped fusion devices, WEST and JT-60SA, to understand plasma behavior. PPPL's Luis Delgado-Aparicio leads the effort, adding powerful X-ray imaging systems to guide future fusion system design.
After record-breaking results in fusion research, this highly successful project is winding down to make way for new experiments
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory successfully completed its marathon run on the Large Helical Device, yielding key findings about fusion energy. The experiment produced world-record milestones, including sustained megawatt-level plasmas for nearly an hour, and demonstrated a unique feature to produce resilient plasmas.
University of Houston physicists break superconductivity temperature record
Researchers achieved a transition temperature of 151 Kelvin, setting the stage for future advancements in superconductivity. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways to generate, transmit, and store energy, conserving billions of dollars in savings and reducing environmental impacts.
National report supports measurement innovation to aid commercial fusion energy and enable new plasma technologies
A new report recommends increased investment in America's fusion diagnostic capabilities, a critical technology that could provide information to speed up the delivery of commercial fusion power plants. The report identifies key areas for research and development to advance U.S. leadership in fusion energy and plasma technologies.
New approach to qualifying nuclear reactor components rolling out this year
Researchers have developed a new method for qualifying materials for use in advanced nuclear reactors, which uses ion beams to mimic radiation damage. This approach can be done at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional test reactors.
Developing a national research program on liquid metals for fusion
The US Department of Energy has launched a national research program on liquid metals for fusion, with Princeton University at the forefront. The program aims to develop liquid metal technology that can protect components from intense heat and improve fusion system performance.
Solving the mystery that could help fusion reactors survive decades of use
Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of exhaust particles in tokamaks. They found that the toroidal rotation of plasma plays a key role in determining where particles land in the machine's exhaust system. This discovery could help engineers design divertors better equipped to handle intense heat.
ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering partner to build critical fusion infrastructure
ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.
PPPL launches STELLAR-AI platform to accelerate fusion energy research
The new platform, led by PPPL, aims to speed up simulations needed to advance fusion energy research. STELLAR-AI will integrate CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs to tackle the challenges of private fusion companies, enabling faster design and optimization of stellarator devices.
ORNL to partner with Type One Energy, UT on world-class facility to validate next-gen fusion
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with Type One Energy and the University of Tennessee to establish a world-class high-heat flux facility in East Tennessee. The facility will evaluate how materials react under extreme conditions in a fusion device, accelerating the development of plasma-facing components and enabling the ...
Zap Energy exceeds gigapascal fusion plasma pressures on new fusion device, FuZE-3
Zap Energy's FuZE-3 device has reached electron pressures of up to 830 MPa, or 1.6 GPa total, in a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch, a major milestone on the path to scientific energy gain. The device achieves this high pressure through independent control of plasma acceleration and compression.
World’s largest superconducting fusion system will use American technology to measure the plasma within
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has partnered with Japan and Europe on the world's largest fusion machine, JT-60SA. The U.S. lab will provide an advanced measurement tool, XICS, to help scientists better understand and control the plasma inside the machine.
New prediction model could improve the reliability of fusion power plants
Scientists at MIT developed a method to predict how plasma in a tokamak will behave during rampdown, achieving high accuracy with limited data. This new model could significantly improve the safety and reliability of future fusion power plants.
Press registration and scientific program now available for plasma physics meeting
Hundreds of physicists from around the world will convene to present new research at the 67th annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Plasma Physics. The conference features presentations on fusion energy, plasma turbulence, laser plasma acceleration, and more.
New AI enhances the view inside fusion energy systems
A new AI system called Diag2Diag analyzes sensor data to provide synthetic information for failing or degraded sensors in fusion systems, enhancing robustness and reducing complexity. This technology has the potential to make fusion energy more economical and reliable, enabling 24/7 operation without interruption.
New review reveals path to economically viable solar hydrogen
A groundbreaking review article reveals that solar-driven water electrolysis can be used to produce high-value chemicals sustainably, transforming the industry from cost-losing to economically compelling. The paper argues that introducing high-value syntheses into solar electrolysis systems could revolutionize the field.
Palladium filters could enable cheaper, more efficient generation of hydrogen fuel
MIT engineers have developed a novel palladium membrane that remains stable at high temperatures, enabling more energy-efficient and cheaper production of hydrogen fuel. The new design allows for the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures at much higher temperatures than conventional membranes.
Lightning strikes 12 times per minute on Zap Energy’s century platform
Century's sustained average power has increased 20x to 39 kilowatts, a major step toward commercial fusion power plants using repetitive pulsed power and liquid metal energy transfer. The platform achieves record-breaking operations with 100 plasma shots at 0.2 Hz.
SNU–APCTP joint research team achieves first experimental proof of multiscale coupling in plasma
The SNU–APCTP joint research team experimentally demonstrated multiscale coupling in plasma, a phenomenon that explains how microscopic instabilities drive macroscopic structural changes. Their findings have significant implications for fusion energy development and astrophysical plasma study.
ORNL to lead, partner on FIRE Collaboratives in critical fusion energy technologies
The ORNL-led FIRE Collaboratives will focus on closing critical gaps in fusion materials, blanket and coolant technology, liquid metal components, and reactor modeling. The project aims to develop a new paradigm for fusion plasma-facing materials and accelerate the deployment of next-generation PFCs.
ORNL leads three INFUSE projects solving fusion challenges
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been awarded $6.1 million to lead three research collaborations tackling fusion energy challenges. The projects focus on advanced materials, plasma diagnostics, and simulation technologies to accelerate the development of fusion energy.
Researchers use electrochemistry to boost nuclear fusion rates
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated that electrochemically loading a solid metal target with deuterium fuel can increase fusion reaction rates by an average of 15%. The approach uses a room-temperature reactor and achieves this boost without generating heat, paving the way for clean energy generation.
Nuclear waste could be a source of fuel in future reactors
Researchers are developing a new system to use nuclear waste to produce valuable tritium, which could power over 500,000 homes for six months. The system uses a particle accelerator to jump-start atom-splitting reactions in the waste, producing more tritium than traditional fusion reactors.
Finding the shadows in a fusion system faster with AI
Researchers have developed a new AI approach called HEAT-ML that accelerates calculations of magnetic shadows in fusion vessels, enabling faster design and operation. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in fusion power generation and potentially limitless clean energy.
The complex relationship between fusion fuel and lithium walls
A global collaboration found that co-deposition is the dominant driver of fuel retention in lithium walls, and adding lithium during operation is more effective than pre-coating. The study offers insights into managing tritium, a rare fusion fuel, and improving plasma stability.
PPPL’s Jack Berkery receives Fulbright Specialist award to share research on spherical tokamaks
PPPL's Jack Berkery is heading to Japan as a Fulbright Specialist to share research on spherical tokamaks and strengthen ties with Kyushu University. He will present PPPL research at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Plasma Physics, focusing on spherical tokamaks and their preparations for NSTX-U's next phase of operations.
German Federal Ministry of Research grants millions for “fusion talent” — Dr. Jonas Ohland will lead GSI/FAIR young investigators group
Dr. Jonas Ohland will lead the ALADIN project to develop stable, efficient lasers for inertial confinement fusion. The goal is to improve beam guidance and reduce manual intervention, benefiting not only fusion research but also other high-power laser applications.
A faster, more reliable method for simulating the plasmas used to make computer chips
A new simulation approach has been developed to model plasmas used in computer chip manufacturing, allowing for improved stability and efficiency. The new code accurately conserves energy, helping to ensure the results reflect real physical processes.
University of Texas-led team solves a big problem for fusion energy
A University of Texas-led team has discovered a shortcut to design leak-proof magnetic confinement systems in stellarator reactors, addressing a 70-year-old challenge. This breakthrough enables engineers to simulate the system more efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, paving the way for the development of reliable fusion energy.
Fusion energy: ITER completes world’s largest and most powerful pulsed magnet system with major components built by USA, Russia, Europe, China
ITER has completed its pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, the largest and most powerful in the world, with significant contributions from USA, Russia, Europe, and China. The system is expected to produce a tenfold energy gain and demonstrate the viability of fusion as an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source.
Engineers develop breakthrough technique to enhance lifespan of next-generation fusion power plants
Researchers developed an advanced microscopic method to map residual stress in ultra-narrow weld zones, revealing the impact on P91 steel's strength and brittleness. The findings provide critical insights for designing safer and longer-lasting fusion energy systems.
Proteins shown to act as ‘guardians’ to keep cells’ energy making mitochondria safe
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered how a group of proteins linked to Parkinson's and ALS act as 'guardians' of mitochondria, maintaining their normal size and function. The study found that when mitochondria become too large, they leak mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, triggering an inflammatory response.
AAAS elects five ORNL scientists as fellows
Five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have been elected AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in experimental condensed matter physics, microbial ecology, catalysis, and energy applications. Ho Nyung Lee was recognized for his research on oxide quantum materials, while David Graham's contributions to microbial biochemistry...
Commercial fusion power plant closer to reality following research breakthrough
A new physics basis for a practical fusion pilot power plant has been developed by Type One Energy, setting the stage for commercial fusion power plants. The design builds on stellarator fusion technology, which has shown success in research settings, and addresses scaling up to a pilot plant.
Combining photonic neural networks with distributed acoustic sensing
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Energy transition in Germany and South Korea: Leopoldina and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology publish recommendations
Experts discuss scientific and technological challenges in the energy transition, including solar technologies, hydrogen, batteries, grid management, and future energy sources. The joint paper recommends innovations leading to next-gen photovoltaic technology, green hydrogen production, and AI-powered grid management.
SLAC to develop fusion energy target technology as part of DOE Fusion Innovation Research Engine Collaboratives
SLAC is part of a collaborative team led by General Atomics to develop fusion fuel targets and overcome critical technological challenges. The lab will receive $1 million per year to develop advanced target tracking technology, helping bridge basic research with the growing fusion industry.
Graphite production gets a makeover
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
The right kind of fusion neutrons
A new Zap research paper validates the company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion approach by measuring nearly isotropic neutron energies, indicating stable thermal plasma. This achievement provides a benchmark milestone for scaling fusion to higher energy yields and confidence in reaching higher performance on the FuZE-Q device.
SMART, one step closer to nuclear fusion with its first plasma
The SMART device has successfully generated its first tokamak plasma, bringing international fusion community closer to achieving sustainable and clean energy. The achievement represents a major step towards the development of compact fusion power plants based on Spherical Tokamaks.
Clarifying the mechanism of coupled plasma fluctuations using simulations
A simulation study clarifies the physical mechanism of coupled plasma fluctuations, which can lead to significant losses of energetic particles in fusion research. The study reveals that the two fluctuations occur in a coupled manner via deformation of the energetic particle distribution function.
US Department of Energy announces selectees for $107 million fusion innovation research engine collaboratives, and progress in milestone program inspired by NASA
The US Department of Energy awards $107 million to six projects in the Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives, supporting commercial fusion energy development. Several privately funded fusion companies complete early critical-path science and technology milestones in the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
UT secures $20 million DOE grant to develop critical nuclear fusion materials
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has been awarded a $20 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop high-performance materials for fusion energy systems. The project, IMPACT, aims to revolutionize material design and manufacturing, addressing a key challenge in making fusion energy commercially viable.
Energetic particles could help to control plasma flares at the edge of a tokamak
International researchers have found that energetic particles can alter the structure of edge-localized modes in tokamaks. This interaction mechanism could lead to more efficient ELM control techniques and improved plasma stability. The study's results have significant implications for future fusion power plants.
Mystery unraveled: The physics behind supra-thermal ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in burning plasmas of inertial confinement fusion
A team of researchers discovered supra-thermal DT ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in ICF burning plasmas. The new hybrid model predicts a ~10 ps ignition moment promotion, enhanced alpha particle densities at the hotspot center, and the presence of supra-thermal D ions below 34 keV.
Mystery unraveled: The physics behind supra-thermal ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in burning plasmas of inertial confinement fusion
Researchers discovered supra-thermal DT ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in burning plasmas of inertial confinement fusion. The findings, achieved through innovative modeling and simulations, challenge existing models and offer new insights into the physics of these extreme conditions.
DOE partners with UK’s DESNZ and Tokamak Energy Ltd. to accelerate fusion energy development through a $52M upgrade to the privately owned ST40 facility
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with the UK's Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and private fusion company Tokamak Energy Ltd. to upgrade the privately owned ST40 facility for $52 million. This collaboration aims to advance fusion science and technology needed for a future fusion pilot plant.
ODS FeCrAl alloys endure liquid metal flow at 600 °C resembling a fusion blanket environment
Researchers tested ODS FeCrAl alloys in a liquid LiPb environment and found that they form durable γ-LiAlO2 layers, which provide strong resistance to corrosion. The study's findings are crucial for improving material durability in fusion reactors and high-temperature energy systems.
Texas A&M receives funding to train machine learning tools in discovery of new materials for fusion power plants
The project aims to identify and fabricate optimized first-wall materials using advanced computer simulations enhanced by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of new materials by 100-fold. The research will leverage synthesis, irradiation, and testing facilities to conduct a high-impact materials discovery campaign.
New insights into exotic nuclei creation
A new model based on the Langevin equation offers insights into exotic nuclei formation, enhancing the production of rare isotopes for scientific and medical applications. The model simplifies complex nuclear reactions by focusing on key physical processes, reducing adjustable parameters and improving energy dissipation predictions.