In a major step towards commercializing fusion energy, Type 1 Energy has concluded a cooperation agreement with the Tennessee Valley Bureau (TVA) to develop plans for potential fusion power plants in the Tennessee Valley region.
The ambitious project, named Infinity Two, aims to provide a 350 MWE Stellarator Fusion Fusion power plant by the mid-2030s.
By leveraging TVA’s infrastructure and expertise, the initiative aims to provide the region with a reliable, sustainable energy source while advancing fusion technology on a global scale.
Joe Hoagland, TVA Vice President of Innovation and Research, commented:
“Energy security is national security and we focus on developing technologies, supply chains and delivery models to build industries that can promote America and the world.”
Fusion energy explained
Fusion energy is a process in which the power of the sun is exploited by fusing the nuclei to generate enormous amounts of heat and electricity.
Unlike traditional nuclear fission, which divides atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion is clean, safe and virtually infinite.
If commercialized successfully, Fusion Energy could revolutionize global electricity production, offering a carbon-free alternative that can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy security.
Reuse infrastructure for an environmentally friendly future
An important aspect of the Infinity Two project is the possibility of reusing the retired TVA Fossil Fuel Power Plant site using existing grid connections and infrastructure.
This not only reduces development costs, but also accelerates the transition from coal and gas to clean energy.
Additionally, the project will support the deployment of Greenfield, allowing the integration of fusion technologies into new energy developments while enhancing the stability and reliability of the grid.
Expand your Project Infinity vision
Infinity Two is based on a collaboration between Project Infinity, Type 1 Energy, TVA, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and was launched in early 2024 with support from the state of Tennessee.
Initially, the focus was on deploying the Infinity One Stellarator prototype at TVA’s Bull Run power plant, but the project has now evolved into a broader initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialization of fusion power plants. Masu.
Through this expanded agreement, Type 1 Energy and TVA will help with site selection, environmental reviews, licensing and financial planning.
This includes raising funds from a variety of sources to successfully develop Infinity Two and positioning it as a model for future fusion power plants around the world.
Strengthening the Fusion Energy Supply Chain
To support the development of Infinity Two, Type One Energy is also partnering with TVA’s Power Services Shop (PSS) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
This collaboration will enhance the modular manufacturing and assembly capabilities needed to efficiently build a Stellarator fusion power plant.
By leveraging PSS expertise, Type 1 Energy aims to streamline the supply chain, reduce costs and establish a scalable model for the production of fusion power plants.
Workforce development and community engagement
A key element of Project Infinity is its commitment to workforce development. The initiative aims to train professionals with the skills necessary to assemble, operate and maintain a stellarator fusion power plant.
Given the strong history of innovation in the energy sectors of Tennessee and Alabama, the region is well located to become a hub for fusion energy expertise.
By involving the community, the project will create high-quality jobs, attract investment and enhance energy security in Tennessee Valley.
The road to commercialization of fusion
By leveraging TVA’s experience in power plant operations, engineering and licensing, Type 1 Energy can focus on advances in steller fusion technology without the need to build new infrastructure from scratch.
This collaboration significantly reduces the risk of commercialization and accelerates the path to deliver affordable, safe and scalable fusion power.
Additionally, Project Infinity is consistent with TVA’s mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy while strengthening US leadership in the global clean energy transition.
As fusion energy approaches commercialization, the partnership between Type 1 energy and TVA demonstrates how public-private collaboration can promote innovation and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
The Infinity Two Fusion Power Plant represents a bold step into the future with clean, rich carbon-free fusion energy.
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