Canadian company General Fusion has achieved a breakthrough with a new fusion reactor, having unveiled the Lawson Machine 26 ( LM26 ), which successfully formed a magnetized plasma. This event represents a step forward in the demonstration of magnetized fusion (MTF) technology.
The fusion reactor in a demonstration machine
With more than 20 years of technological advancements and developments, the LM26 demonstrates its potential as a viable option for clean energy production . The machine generates plasmas daily, while the engineering team continues to optimize its performance. The next step in the project is to compress the plasmas with a lithium coating , seeking to achieve the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion.
We’ve built 24 plasma injectors, created over 200,000 plasmas, and generated fusion neutrons from plasma compressions, reducing the risk of LM26 and preparing us for this new chapter in General Fusion. We’re ready to make fusion a reality at LM26!
Dr. Michel Laberge, founder and chief scientific officer of General Fusion.
With the help of ongoing support from the Canadian government and private capital, General Fusion has managed to attract investment, totaling 440 million Canadian dollars to date. This support has allowed the company to continue its mission of generating profitable fusion energy, which will contribute to strengthening the Canadian economy and its technological innovation capabilities. In fact, for every public dollar invested, the company has managed to attract three dollars in private investment.
“General Fusion is a homegrown success story that demonstrates the value of Canadian innovation,” said the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. “We are proud to support their progress as they advance their incredible clean fusion energy technology.”
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada.
Fusion energy simulates the process that occurs in the core of the sun and has the potential to radically change the way electricity is produced. By fusing lightweight nuclei, a massive amount of energy is generated without the risks associated with nuclear power.
A demonstration of reactor assembly. Source: General Fusion
A General Fusion MTF power plant will have the capacity to power up to 150,000 Canadian homes, representing a major step forward in the decarbonization of the global electricity grid. Furthermore, the company is designing its plants to be cost-competitive with other energy sources.
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Source and photo: General Fusion
