Proxima Fusion and its partners have announced a major milestone in search of endless clean energy to uncover the world’s first fully integrated concept of commercial fusion power plants.
The design of the groundbreaking fusion power plant known as Stellaris shows a major leap towards reliable continuous fusion energy generation.
“We’ve seen a lot of experience in the world,” said Francesco Sciortino, co-founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion.
“Stellaris is the first peer-reviewed concept of a fusion power plant designed to ensure continuous operation without the instability and confusion seen in Tokamaks and other approaches.
“Given the growing global energy demand and the escalating needs of European energy security, unlocking the endless clean energy through fusion is no more urgent than ever, and Proxima is committed to leading Europe into a fused future.”
From research to reality: The concept of Stellaris
The Stellaris concept is based on the record-breaking performance of Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), the world’s most advanced homoequivalent mechanics (QI) stellarator.
The W7-X, led by the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), has focused on more than 1.3 billion euros on funding from the German federal government and the European Union.
Now, IPP’s first spin-out company, Proxima Fusion, is using this research to bring its fusion power closer to commercial reality.
By integrating the expertise of industry leaders from Google, Tesla, McLaren Formula-1 and SpaceX-Proxima Fusion with cutting-edge theoretical and experimental work, we designed a stellarator that can be operated efficiently and continuously.
Compact and high power solution
Stellaris is introducing a new level of efficiency in the design of fusion power plants.
By utilizing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology, the reactor’s magnetic field is significantly stronger, allowing for a more compact and efficient system.
This breakthrough allows faster structure, improved energy generation and cost-effectiveness compared to previous Stellarator concepts.
Additionally, Stellaris relies solely on materials available today, ensuring seamless integration with existing supply chains.
The fusion reactor design meets all the major physics and engineering constraints validated through extensive electromagnetic, structural, thermal, and neutron simulations.
Unlike traditional approaches that require decades of progressive improvement, Proxima Fusion is taking a bold leap with its demonstration stellerator Alpha.
Important technological advances
Stellaris incorporates several groundbreaking features that push the boundaries of fusion technology.
Precisely optimized magnetic fields for maximum energy production. Advanced support structure designed to withstand full power operating force. Effectively integrates HTS technology to ensure excellent thermal management. A new neutron blanket concept that fits stellarator geometry for efficient energy capture.
Dr. Jorrit Lion, co-founder and chief scientist of Proxima Fusion, added:
“Stellaris Design covers unparalleled physics and engineering analytics in one coherent design. To achieve fusion energy, we must go on to complete engineering design and continue developing enablement technologies.”
A clear roadmap to fusion energy
Proximous Fusion is committed to making fusion power a commercial reality. By 2027, the company will demonstrate Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) and completely remove Stellarator’s risky HTS technology.
The next major milestone, the Demonstration Stellarator Alpha, is scheduled for 2031. With these advancements, Proxima Fusion aims to provide the grid with endless, safe and clean fusion power plant technology in the 2030s.
Fusion Revolution is closer than ever, and Proxima Fusion’s innovative approach leads to accusations towards a sustainable energy future.
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