Tokamak Energy Expands U.S. Fusion Partnerships Under DOE FIRE Plan

In a major step toward realizing practical fusion energy, Tokamak Energy Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the UK-based fusion company Tokamak Energy, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives. The $128 million initiative aims to accelerate cutting-edge fusion science and technology, uniting national laboratories, universities, and private industry to push the boundaries of clean energy innovation.

Tokamak Energy’s participation underscores its growing influence in the global fusion landscape, combining scientific excellence with industrial experience to help bring fusion energy closer to commercial reality.

Advancing Superconductors for Fusion Magnets

As part of a University of Houston–led project, Tokamak Energy Inc. is developing next-generation superconducting tapes capable of withstanding neutron irradiation—one of the most demanding conditions inside a fusion reactor. High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are vital for generating the powerful magnetic fields needed to confine plasma, and enhancing their durability and efficiency is essential for future power plants.

The research aims to overcome a key material challenge in fusion engineering, paving the way for more compact and reliable fusion systems that can operate under extreme conditions.

Advising Across Eight FIRE Projects

In addition to its materials research, Tokamak Energy Inc. is serving as a technical advisor on eight FIRE projects. The company is collaborating with leading national laboratories and universities to guide early-stage fusion research toward commercial application.

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These efforts include supporting pilot plant design, developing advanced blanket systems for tritium breeding, and improving materials that can withstand high heat and radiation. By linking scientific discovery with practical engineering insight, Tokamak Energy helps accelerate progress toward deployable fusion systems.

Collaborating with U.S. Research Leaders

The company’s advisory and technical work under FIRE involves partnerships with top-tier research institutions, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee. These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to advancing the U.S. fusion research ecosystem and strengthening public-private cooperation in clean energy development.

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Expanding Impact Through INFUSE Grants

Tokamak Energy Inc. has also received its tenth award under the DOE’s Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, which connects private companies with national labs and universities to accelerate fusion development.

The latest project, led by Dr. Aaron L. Washington and Dr. Emre Yildirim in collaboration with Savannah River National Laboratory, focuses on lithium electrolysis for tritium extraction using high-entropy oxides. This approach could improve tritium recovery efficiency—a vital process for maintaining a sustainable fusion fuel cycle.

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Driving the Future of Clean Energy

Together, the FIRE and INFUSE awards highlight Tokamak Energy’s expanding role in the U.S. fusion innovation landscape. Through cutting-edge materials research, technical collaboration, and strategic partnerships, the company continues to advance its mission of delivering safe, clean, and virtually limitless fusion energy for the world.