clean energy revolution: A stellarator is a complex device that may play a significant role in the future of fusion energy. Proxima Fusion, based in Munich, is developing a stellarator named Alpha, which aims to produce more energy than it consumes. This project draws on extensive research from Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and its W7-X stellarator.
clean energy revolution: what to know
Challenges of Fusion Energy
Fusion energy has the potential to provide abundant, cheap, and emission-free electricity by fusing hydrogen nuclei, a process that occurs naturally in the Sun. However, achieving this on Earth requires extremely high temperatures and sophisticated technology to control the resulting plasma. Proxima Fusion’s approach is considered challenging even within the fusion industry, which is known for its high standards.
While the common method for fusion involves a tokamak—a doughnut-shaped device that uses powerful magnets to contain plasma—Proxima’s stellarator features a more intricate design. According to Francesco Sciortino, co-founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion, the stellarator’s complex shape allows for better control of the plasma compared to the tokamak, which he describes as a “beast.” In contrast, he refers to the stellarator as a “dumb machine,” likening it to a microwave oven in terms of its operational simplicity once built.
Funding and Development
Proxima Fusion is currently seeking substantial investment to advance its project. Recently, the company secured €400 million from the state of Bavaria and is pursuing over a billion dollars from the federal government, with a decision expected next year. The development of Alpha is part of a broader race among 53 groups globally working on fusion technology, as reported by the Fusion Industry Association.
In the UK, the Step project is also progressing with the tokamak approach, aiming to build a prototype power plant at a former coal-fired station in West Burton, Yorkshire. Ryan Ramsey, director of Organisational Performance at Step, notes that tokamaks benefit from a long history of experimental data and simpler magnetic designs, which can lead to lower costs and easier maintenance.
Manufacturing Expertise in Germany
Sciortino acknowledges the challenges of building the intricate magnets required for the stellarator. He emphasizes the importance of speed and cost-effectiveness in production. Germany’s strong manufacturing sector, particularly its skilled workforce in CNC machining, is seen as an advantage for Proxima. Sciortino points out that Germany has a significantly higher number of CNC machinists compared to the United States, which is crucial for the precision required in constructing the magnets.
Proxima is currently constructing a prototype magnetic coil, with plans to test it next year. If successful, the company intends to produce 40 additional coils for the Alpha machine. A magnet factory is also in the early stages of development, with a goal to accelerate production by 2028 or 2029.
As the fusion industry evolves, Sciortino believes that Europe has the potential to lead in this field, leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and trained workforce. Meanwhile, Ramsey from Step emphasizes that the fusion sector is moving beyond theoretical experiments, with various approaches being explored to determine which can effectively deliver a functional power plant.