Nishimura, project manager for Fast Project, details Japan’s new initiative aimed at achieving fusion-based power generation by the end of the 2030s.
As the global journey to achieve the commercialization of fusion intensifies, more and more countries are pooling resources and efforts in fusion research and development. Home to the world’s largest experimental fusion reactor, JT-60SA, Japan is the leading frontline of the international race to achieve fusion power on a commercial scale.
Based on Japan’s strengths and reputation in the nuclear fusion sector, the new private sector initiative, Fast (fusion with advanced superconducting tokamac) Project – was launched at the end of 2024. The project aims to achieve fusion-based power generation by the end of the 2030s.
FAST is located at selected sites in Japan and aims to generate and maintain plasma for deuterium-tritium (DT) reactions, demonstrating an integrated fusion energy system combining energy conversion, including power generation and fuel technology. This project will employ a selected Tokamak configuration for established data and scalability.
For more information about this project, the Innovation Platform spoke to Project Manager Nishimura Miki.
Can you explain in detail what a high speed project is?
FAST is a newly launched initiative aimed at demonstrating the power generation and other important path technologies needed for integrated power plants in the 2030s. The project seeks to accelerate the development of fusion as a viable energy source by integrating advanced technologies through collaboration with key industries and research partners.
FAST is a private sector-led effort to collaborate with international partners in the UK, the US and Canada to bring together top universities, national research institutes and industry leaders in Japan. JT-60SA Exploiting Japan’s strengths in nuclear fusion technology, including supply chain capabilities cultivated through Tokamak and Iter, represents a fast, Japanese-led industrial and CADOR partnership, promoting fusion energy development on both national and global scales.
Why this project is unique and how can it complement other fusion projects?
Fast distinguishing by emphasizing rapid technical verification and practical implementation. It is designed to fill the gap between experimental plasma and commercial deployment.
Key differentiators are:
Demonstration of deuterium-tritium (DT) plasma operation
Most fusion projects up until now have used deuterium-dutherium (DD) reactions, but aim to produce and maintain the large-water-tritium (D-T) reaction. This is an important step towards real power generation, as it involves proofing the feasibility of a full-scale power demonstration through tritium treatment and system integration, including fusion fuel cycles.
Global and domestic collaboration
FAST stands out as a unique fusion energy initiative, based on both a strong foundation of global collaboration and Japan’s existing domestic industry and CADMIA partnership. At the global stage, Fast brings together researchers from leading institutions and key industrial partners in Japan, the UK, the US and Canada to promote international cooperation, thereby pooling expertise from some of the world’s most advanced integrated research organizations and industries.
We are actively welcoming researchers, industrial partners and collaborators from around the world and contribute to this groundbreaking initiative. In Japan, FAST is led primarily by private companies and is similar to the major fusion initiatives ongoing in the US. At the same time, it will be enhanced by integrating Japan’s world-class research capabilities through partnerships with top universities and national research institutes. Therefore, the project takes full advantage of Japan’s strengths incorporating the design and technology of the world’s largest tokamac, JT-60SA, and leverages supply chain expertise cultivated through ITER projects, including (but not limited to) magnets, Girotrons and neutral beam injectors (NBI). This Japanese-led industrial system collaboration with Cademia will serve as a model to accelerate fusion energy development both domestically and internationally, with the goal of achieving practical fusion power generation.
Compact yet impactful design for practical fusion power
Fast uses a Tokamak configuration. This is the well-established plasma confinement method with the most extensive research foundation. It particularly employs a low aspect ratio tokamac design and high temperature superconducting (HTS) coil, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective system with a shorter construction timeline. Despite its compact size, Fast serves as an important platform for advancing practical fusion power, contributing to the development of demo equipment (DEMO) and Fusion Pilot Plants (FPPS). By integrating advanced technologies, rapid advances are accelerated towards the realization of commercial fusion energy.
Who are the main stakeholders involved in the project?
The High Speed Project is a joint effort that involves major institutions, government agencies and private sector partners. This includes contributions from advanced fusion research institutes, engineering companies and energy companies, all working together to promote advances in fusion power generation.
Can you explain the proposed stages of the project?
Conceptual Design Phase (until 2025): Complete conceptual design and begin site selection. Development and Engineering Phase (by 2028): Develop key components and complete engineering design. Construction will begin by 2030. Assembly and First Plasma Phase (by 2035): Assemble the system and achieve the first plasma ignition. Power generation demonstration phase (late 2030s): Demonstration of fusion power generation will be carried out.
What have been achieved so far?
The conceptual design team consisting of plasma researchers, engineering researchers and experts is already well established, and conceptual design debates are ongoing. Soon we will work with industry partners to further accelerate efforts related to site solicitation.
Have you ever encountered any major challenges you’ve faced? If so, how have they been overcome?
The project is still in its early stages, but we expect it to face a variety of technical challenges as it moves forward. These challenges bring together experts in fusion between Japan and abroad through our strong global team (collaboration with the private sector-led industrial association).
This article will also be featured in the 22nd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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