Proxima Fusion,​ a German nuclear fusion startup founded two years ago, has unveiled plans for​ a working fusion power plant​ іn​ a peer-reviewed journal. This marks​ a significant milestone​ іn the global pursuit​ оf limitless, clean energy.

Unlike today’s nuclear fission reactors, which produce radioactive waste, fusion reactors release vast amounts​ оf energy with zero carbon emissions and minimal radiation.

Comparing Tokamaks and Stellarators

Fusion reactors, such as tokamaks and stellarators, use electromagnets to contain fusion plasma. Tokamaks rely on external magnets and an induced plasma current, though they are prone to instability. Stellarators, on the other hand, use only external magnets, theoretically enabling better stability and continuous operation.

According to Dr. Francesco Sciortino, co-founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion, their “Stellaris” design is the first peer-reviewed fusion power plant concept proven to operate reliably and continuously, without the disruptions seen in tokamaks and other approaches.

Open-Source Science and Global Collaboration

Proxima published its findings in Fusion Engineering and Design, choosing to share its research openly to foster global collaboration. Sciortino emphasized their confidence and speed: “Our American friends can see it. Our Chinese friends can see it. Our claim is that we can execute on this faster than anyone else by integrating physics, engineering, and economics. We’re not a science project anymore.”

He added that while they initially planned to reach the Stellaris design in two years, they achieved it in just one, accelerating their timeline by a year.

Funding and Future Plans

Proxima Fusion has raised $35 million from the European Union and the German government, along with $30 million in venture capital. The company aims to build a fully operational fusion reactor by 2031.

The Global Race to Commercial Fusion

Proxima faces competition from companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, backed by Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures. However, Ian Hogarth, a partner at Plural and an early investor in Proxima, praised the team’s achievements: “When Proxima started, the founders said, ‘This is possible; we’ll prove it to you.’ And they did. Stellaris positions QI-HTS stellarators as the leading technology in the global race to commercial fusion.”

Proxima Fusion’s rapid progress and commitment to open science position it as a strong contender in the effort to harness the power of the stars for sustainable energy on Earth.