Fusion power could be a step closer to reality with new Cambridge research

Conceptual Design for Infinity One (Image credit: Type One Energy)

Achieving the potential of fusion energy could provide a cleaner, safer energy source for everyone and play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis. In pursuit of this vision, Type One Energy has released a thorough, consistent, and well-supported physics framework for building a viable fusion pilot power plant.

This pioneering work is detailed in a collection of six peer-reviewed research papers featured in a special edition of the esteemed Journal of Plasma Physics, published by Cambridge University Press.

These publications lay the scientific groundwork for Type One Energy’s inaugural fusion power plant, which is being developed in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority in the U.S.

Alex Schekochihin, Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Oxford and Editor of the Journal of Plasma Physics (JPP), expressed strong support for this advancement:

"JPP is honored to offer a platform for the thorough peer review and publication of research outlining the physics foundation of the Infinity Two stellarator — a bold and innovative addition to the growing array of proposed fusion power plant concepts.

"Fusion science and technology are progressing rapidly, fueled by widespread enthusiasm from both public and private sectors. In this dynamic and inventive atmosphere, it's essential that emerging ideas and designs are openly shared and rigorously evaluated by the scientific community. Type One Energy and JPP are leading by example in this regard — just as we did five years ago with Commonwealth Fusion Systems and their SPARC physics foundation."

The newly developed physics foundation for the pilot fusion power plant represents a comprehensive approach to realistically address the intricate balance between various demanding and sometimes conflicting requirements that must work in harmony to make fusion energy viable.

This solution is also rooted in the proven performance of advanced stellarator fusion technology. Stellarators are devices that use intricate, spiral-shaped magnetic fields to contain and control plasma, creating the necessary conditions for fusion reactions.

This approach has already shown success in Germany with the Wendelstein 7-X, the largest stellarator research facility in the world. Type One Energy’s challenge, however, lies in scaling this technology up for use in a full-scale pilot power plant.

Building the future of energy

Fusion technology has the potential to provide virtually unlimited clean energy. With rising global energy needs and growing concerns around energy security, the emergence of this new physics design framework comes at a crucial time.

Christofer Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy, recognizes the significance of the company's breakthrough and takes pride in its practical and well-grounded approach.

“Our new fusion power plant’s physics foundation is built on Type One Energy’s deep expertise in dependable and cost-effective electricity generation for the grid,” Mowry explained. “We’re not just developing a science experiment—we understand the importance of creating a viable energy solution.”

The research was a joint effort between Type One Energy and a diverse group of scientists from national labs and global universities. Key contributors included the U.S. Department of Energy, which provided access to powerful supercomputers like the exascale Frontier system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to run complex physics simulations.

Although commercial fusion energy is still in the experimental stage, this new research represents a significant and hopeful step forward. The vision of clean, plentiful energy could soon be within reach.