Latest news with #Norm
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
TAE Technologies raises $150m in funding for fusion energy development
Fusion energy firm TAE Technologies has raised more than $150m in its latest funding round, supporting efforts to deliver the world's first commercial fusion power. The recent capital injection surpasses the initial target set for this round of financing. Among the investors participating in the round were Chevron, Google and New Enterprise Associates (NEA), along with other new and existing stakeholders. The option remains open for TAE to secure additional funds as part of this round. AE's total equity capital raised since inception now exceeds $1.3bn, further endorsing the company's unique approach to achieving commercial fusion. In early 2025, TAE announced a significant breakthrough with its "Norm" technology, which achieved stable plasma at temperatures exceeding 70 million degrees Celsius in a simplified fusion device. This advancement is a step forward in enhancing the performance and reactor-readiness of TAE's fusion tech. TAE's collaboration with Google, which began in 2014, has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Together, they have utilised advanced machine learning to expedite fusion science, resulting in improved plasma lifetime and performance. TAE Technologies CEO Michl Binderbauer stated: 'Fusion has the potential to transform the energy landscape, providing near-limitless clean power at a time when the world's energy needs are growing exponentially due to the growth of AI and data centres. 'TAE's technology uses the soundest physics to deliver superior performance in a compact machine, with attractive economics and best-in-class maintainability. We are leading the charge to develop revolutionary fusion technology for full-scale commercial deployment.' Google engineers have been integrated into TAE's teams, co-developing sophisticated plasma reconstruction algorithms. Google's ongoing support reflects a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation of TAE's fusion approach, as detailed by Ross Koningstein, founder of Google's nuclear energy research and development group, on the Google blog. The fusion systems developed by TAE promise on-demand, carbon-free, utility-scale power without the risks associated with traditional nuclear power, such as meltdowns or long-lived radioactive waste. This safety profile allows TAE fusion power plants to be located in diverse settings, from densely populated areas to remote regions or near large data centres. 'We're delighted to continue our relationship with Google, which has not only provided funding to TAE but collaborated closely in research and development over many years. With this latest fundraise, we look forward to accelerating our efforts to deliver commercial fusion power,' Binderbauer added. TAE's technological prowess is evidenced by its portfolio of more than 1,500 patents worldwide and the successful construction of five prototype generations. The last four prototypes are comparable in size to traditional natural gas combustion turbines, with two additional prototypes currently in development. "TAE Technologies raises $150m in funding for fusion energy development" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
TAE Technologies Raises $150 Million in Latest Funding Round
Latest fundraise supports TAE's efforts to deliver world's first commercial fusion power; Google continues more than 10-year research and funding partnership with TAE FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TAE Technologies ("TAE"), the leading fusion energy company developing the cleanest and safest approach to commercial fusion power, today announced that it has raised more than $150 million in its latest funding round, exceeding the company's initial target for the round. Chevron, Google and NEA participated in the round, among other new and existing investors. TAE has the option to raise additional capital as part of this funding round. With more than $1.3 billion in equity capital raised since inception, this latest fundraise further validates TAE's distinctive approach to commercial fusion. Michl Binderbauer, CEO of TAE Technologies, said: "Fusion has the potential to transform the energy landscape, providing near-limitless clean power at a time when the world's energy needs are growing exponentially due to the growth of AI and data centers. TAE's technology uses the soundest physics to deliver superior performance in a compact machine, with attractive economics and best-in-class maintainability. We are leading the charge to develop revolutionary fusion technology for full-scale commercial deployment." Earlier this year, TAE announced a major milestone that fundamentally advances the performance, practicality and reactor-readiness of its proprietary fusion technology. The company's "Norm" breakthrough – achieving stable plasma at over 70 million °C in a simplified fusion device – was made possible in part through TAE's more than decade-long collaboration with Google. Since 2014, TAE and Google Research have worked together to accelerate fusion science using cutting-edge machine learning. Google engineers worked onsite at TAE facilities to co-develop advanced plasma reconstruction algorithms, leading to significantly improved plasma lifetime and performance. Google's deep integration into TAE's engineering teams helped the company unlock a practical path to economic fusion and was instrumental in enabling the Norm breakthrough that now paves the way for TAE's next milestone: validating net energy capability in its Copernicus reactor. Google's renewed commitment to TAE follows a thorough technical and commercial evaluation of TAE's distinctive fusion approach. Read more from Ross Koningstein, Founder, Google's Nuclear Energy R&D group, on the Google Blog. Binderbauer continued: "We're delighted to continue our relationship with Google, who have not only provided funding to TAE but collaborated closely in research and development over many years. With this latest fundraise, we look forward to accelerating our efforts to deliver commercial fusion power." TAE's fusion systems can provide on-demand, carbon-free, utility-scale power that is also inherently safe. With no risk of meltdown or long-lived radioactive waste, a TAE fusion power plant can be safely placed wherever power is needed. This creates unparalleled flexibility for siting, whether near highly populated areas, remote locations or large-scale data centers. TAE has been granted more than 1,500 patents worldwide and has successfully constructed five generations of prototypes. Notably, the last four prototypes are comparable in size to traditional natural gas combustion turbines, with two more currently under development. Additional Information About TAE Technologies TAE was founded in 1998 to develop commercial fusion power with the cleanest environmental profile. The company has established itself as a leader in an industry that has the potential to transform the energy economy. Notable company and scientific milestones include: Raised and deployed $1.2 billion through 11 prior fundraises. Investors include Google, Chevron, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, NEA, Wellcome Trust, and the visionary family offices of Addison Fischer, the Samberg Family, Charles Schwab, and others. Built five increasingly powerful and productive demonstration units to National Laboratory scale. Partnered closely with Google for more than a decade. Among their various achievements together, the companies have co-developed the Optometrist Algorithm, a plasma optimization tool that has helped accelerate TAE's scientific progress. Announced in April 2025 the invention of a streamlined approach to form and optimize plasma that increases efficiency, significantly reduces complexity and cost, and accelerates the company's path to net energy and commercial fusion power. Advanced construction on its sixth demonstration unit, Copernicus, which is on track to achieve a net energy milestone before the end of the decade. Delivered a roadmap for its first prototype power plant, Da Vinci, which will be operational in the early 2030s and will deliver TAE's first commercial fusion power. Fusion is nature's preferred source of energy. It is the same process that powers the sun and stars, and it is what makes life viable on Earth. When lighter elements fuse under immense heat and pressure, they form new elements and release a tremendous amount of energy. This process is safer than conventional nuclear power because fusion can be stopped at any time - eliminating the risk of a power plant meltdown. In TAE's future fusion power plant, hydrogen and boron atoms will fuse into three helium atoms inside of a stable, superhot plasma to produce an even more energetic light than the sun – all with no long-lived radioactive waste. When the heat generated by that light warms the walls of the fusion machine, a network of pipes will spring into action to cool the interior walls by collecting that heat into a fluid and ushering it to a steam generator. The steam spins a turbine that then drives an electric generator, similar to what happens in operating power plants today. TAE's unique fusion core supplies a superior and environmentally benign heat source for future power plants. The essential requirement for capturing net energy across all approaches to fusion is high-quality plasma confinement. TAE has developed a proprietary approach called an advanced beam-driven Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC), which solves the challenge of confinement both from a cost and performance perspective. TAE's approach is the first known design in the world to form an FRC plasma using only neutral particle beams. TAE's FRC-based fusion approach is built to integrate with today's grid infrastructure and engineered for cost-effective construction and operation. Unlike other fusion approaches, it has the advantage of being modular, allowing quick and scalable deployment with a much smaller footprint than traditional fusion systems but at similar power outputs. TAE's systems are designed for sustained performance, efficient maintenance and reliable stability, meaning they are adaptable for a wide range of geographies and energy demands. Contact: Abbey Goodman, 949-830-2117, press@ About TAE Technologies TAE Technologies was founded in 1998 to develop commercial fusion power with the cleanest environmental profile. The company's pioneering work represents the fastest, most practical and economically competitive solution to bring abundant clean energy to the grid. With over 1,500 granted patents worldwide, more than $1.3 billion in private capital, five generations of National Laboratory-scale devices built along with two more in development, TAE is now on the cusp of delivering this transformational energy source capable of sustaining the planet for thousands of years. The company's revolutionary technologies have produced a robust portfolio of commercial innovations in adjacent markets such as power management, energy storage, electric mobility, fast charging, life sciences and more. TAE is based in California, and maintains international offices in the UK, EU and Switzerland. Multidisciplinary and mission-driven by nature, TAE is leveraging proprietary science and engineering to create a bright future. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TAE Technologies Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary Scots band reveals how festival favourite was almost ‘never written'
It the hit song was inspired by a legendary US sitcom SONG SHOCK Legendary Scots band reveals how festival favourite was almost 'never written' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic rocker has revealed that one of his biggest hits was almost "never written". Travis frontman Fran Healy, 51, opened up on the origins of 1999 festival favourite Driftwood. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Travis frontman Fran Healy performs at The Concert Hall in Toronto, Ontario Credit: Getty The red-headed singer told how the song was inspired by an episode of legendary US sitcom Cheers. However when he rushed upstairs to document the tune, the musician forgot to hit record on his device. He said online: "Driftwood almost didn't get written. I was washing the dishes, thinking about that TV show Cheers. "There was an episode where Norm was talking about overhearing the boss, talking about getting rid of all the driftwood. "I sung it out loud, just out of nowhere, while I was washing the dishes. "Ran upstairs to record it, but I actually accidentally pressed pause instead of record. "So when I came back to listen later on in the day, all I could hear was me walking away from the recorder. "And I sat for about an hour while this thing went through. "And you can hear me in the house, faffing around. And then eventually, just before the tape ends, I sing it as I'm walking up the stairs. "And had I not sung that tiny little, you know, driftwood little bit, it would be gone forever. And it's one of my favourite songs." Billy Joel Cancels Tour Amid Health Concerns: Fans React It comes weeks after Healy was rushed to hospital after suffering from a horror injury at a gig in the US. The singer was wheeled out of the venue on a stretcher after their show on Monday night. The iconic band were on their Raze The Bar North American Tour which kicked off in January. Travis were playing at the Showbox in Seattle, Washington, when Fran twisted his ankle stepping off stage while waving goodbye to the crowd.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Editorial: Norm on ‘Cheers'? George Wendt meant far more to Chicagoans.
Anyone who craved a life of sitcom fame had not spent time with George Wendt, a man who could not walk into a restaurant or take a stroll in the fresh air without cacophonous cries of 'Norm!' coming at him from all directions from the mouths of people who seemed to think they were the only people ever to be so witty. Being a gentle and kind spirit, Wendt would smile wryly, like a man with an eternal cross to bear. He'd typically say afterward that he at least made people smile just by his existence. But for those who work or care about Chicago theater, the barfly Norm from 'Cheers' was not what first came to mind when the actor died Tuesday at the age of 76. Rather, the city's creative community lost not just one of its most important comedic actors and spokespeople, but one of its most enthusiastic supporters. Long after 'Cheers' was gone from our screens, Wendt was willing to leverage his fame and his regular-guy authenticity, being such a stereotypical Chicagoan, in service of the city that nurtured him (Wendt grew up in Beverly). He showed up for most every Second City reunion. He always talked happily to this newspaper. Playing a gruff, arts-loving Chicago cop, he even made a commercial (at no charge) for the League of Chicago Theatres with the tagline, 'Now That's What I Call Theatre.' He appeared in two shows for the Northlight Theatre: Richard Dresser's 'Rounding Third' in 2002 and Bruce Graham's 'Funnyman' in 2015. In the latter show about an old school comic, Wendt actually confronted what it meant to be known everywhere as a lovable comedian. 'People stop me on the street all the time,' his character said. ''Say something funny!'' We all have a Wowza! — the one thing that people think we do and that we're sick of doing.' For anyone who saw Wendt do that show, it was clear that Wendt's 'Wowza!' was Norm from 'Cheers,' even though he was always careful to say that he was appreciative of the fame and fortune from the beloved sitcom. Wendt long had faced health problems, but that didn't make his death any less of a jolt. Over the years, Chicago has had some entertainment figures indelibly associated with the city. The late John and the living Jim Belushi, both complex figures, certainly come to mind. So does Joe Mantegna. And Chris Farley. But while we're praising what you might call the Mike Ditka school of Chicago comedy (Da Bears), let's agree that Wendt was the gentle leader of that particular Chicago Rat Pack. So long, George. We appreciate all you did for us in this town. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Cheers' Stars Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger Remember George Wendt
Beloved Cheers star George Wendtdied peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 76. Tributes from his co-stars and other fellow actors came pouring in. Wendt starred as barfly Norm Peterson on Cheers for 11 years. Following the news of his death, co-star Ted Dansontold People in a statement, "[I'm] devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie." Bernadette is Wendt's wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, who notably voiced the character of his wife on Cheers, Vera Peterson. Famously, Vera's face was never shown. Fellow Cheers star John Ratzenberger, who played Norm's best buddy Cliff Clavin on the show, told People, "[I'm] heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt. For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television's most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift. "He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I'll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most." Ratzenberger finished by saying that his thoughts are with Wendt's family. Co-star Rhea Perlmantold Variety, "George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn't hurt. What a guy! I'll miss him more than words can say.' Cheers Boston, the pub that inspired the show, posted a poignant message on Instagram alongside a photo of an empty mug near "Norm's" set, which is commemorated with a plaque. "We're looking toward your spot at the bar and you're not there. 💔. Today, we say goodbye to George Wendt, the beloved actor who brought Norm to life and gave so many of us a reason to smile. George wasn't just an actor — he was a symbol of comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name. "We were honored every time he walked through our doors—not as a character, but as the kind, funny, humble man behind the legend. He brought joy not only to the screen, but to every person lucky enough to meet him in person. To George: thank you for the laughs, the memories, and the legacy you leave behind. You'll always have a stool at our bar. Cheers, Norm.❤️🍺."
