Latest news with #ProximaFusion
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Startups shatter records to develop game-changing energy facilities: 'Holds the potential to fundamentally transform the way we think about energy'
Fusion energy is heating up in Europe. Startups raked in a record €290 million (around $339 million) in the first half of 2025 as investors piled into the dream of near-limitless clean power, reported The Next Web. This year's tally has already overtaken 2024's total of €185 million, which was the previous high watermark for European fusion funding, the publication said, citing Dealroom data. Topping the list was Munich-based Proxima Fusion. It scored a record-high deal for a European fusion startup, raising €130 million in June. The company is betting on a fusion device called a stellarator, an intricate, twisted ring of metal that founders hope could offer a more stable source of fusion energy than existing reactors. Proxima cofounder Francesco Sciortino told The Next Web: "Fusion holds the potential to fundamentally transform the way we think about energy, changing the world from a place that's controlled by those with reserves of oil and gas, to one where technology lets countries control their own fate." According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear fusion is the process of combining two light atoms, such as hydrogen, into a heavier one, which releases a huge amount of energy. It's the same reaction that powers the sun. Scientists are working to recreate it and make it commercially viable on Earth, something that some experts think could happen in the 2030s. The benefit of fusion is that it doesn't depend on the weather, like wind and solar energy production, meaning cheaper, more predictable clean power for everything from public transport to data centers to heating homes. Unlike current nuclear power plants that use fission, which involves splitting atoms and results in radioactive waste, fusion does not create long-lasting harmful byproducts. The second-biggest European fundraiser was Munich-based Marvel Fusion, which raised €113 million in a funding round in March, per The Next Web. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Marvel is developing a type of fusion that uses lasers to create extreme heat, causing atoms to fuse together and release energy. Meanwhile, researchers in California achieved a fusion ignition in 2023, meaning they generated more energy than they used in the reaction. While the technology is still a way off, experts think it could eventually become a source of virtually limitless clean energy — cutting out the need for carbon-emitting dirty fuels altogether and making the planet a healthier and safer place for generations to come. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Company secures $150 million to build next-gen device that could reshape global energy industry: 'This is deep tech at its best'
A German startup just secured Europe's largest private fusion investment — a major step toward reshaping global energy. Power Technology reported that Proxima Fusion has raised $150 million to develop its Stellarator Model Coil (SMC). Founded in 2023 as a spinout from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, the company plans to build a demonstration fusion device by 2031. Investors include Cherry Ventures, Balderton Capital, and several other backers focused on deep-tech energy breakthroughs. Unlike traditional nuclear power, fusion combines atoms rather than splitting them, offering the promise of clean, abundant energy without the long-lasting impact of radioactive waste or air pollution. However, no one has successfully made fusion work efficiently at scale yet. Proxima is attempting to achieve this by using high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and detailed simulations to unlock the potential of a stellarator design. This design is a complex system known for delivering steadier output with fewer engineering tradeoffs. The company aims to validate the HTS magnet system by 2027 and is in talks with European governments to host its Alpha prototype. The news comes as clean energy startups race to deliver next-gen solutions such as wave and geothermal energy and, now, fusion, to complement solar and wind. Fusion isn't ready for commercial use yet, but it could one day help stabilize the electricity supply and lower long-term energy costs. In the meantime, accessible options such as solar can help deliver savings now. Installing solar panels can potentially reduce energy bills to near $0. EnergySage offers a free service that lets users compare vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. With these options in place, the emergence of fusion can expand clean energy access and create a more reliable and affordable system for everyone. "This is deep tech at its best, and a bold signal that Europe can lead on the world stage," Filip Dames of Cherry Ventures said. Should the U.S. invest more in battery innovations? Absolutely Depends on the project We're investing enough We should invest less Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sustainability Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Germany Goes Fusion-First': Company Pushes Bold Plan to Build World's First Operational Nuclear Fusion Power Plant
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 Proxima Fusion secures $150 million in Series A funding to develop a commercial fusion power plant. secures $150 million in Series A funding to develop a commercial fusion power plant. 🏗️ Significant funding is allocated to achieving engineering milestones, including the Stellarator Model Coil by 2027. by 2027. 🌍 The company is finalizing the location for its demonstration stellarator, ' Alpha ,' set to begin operations in 2031. ,' set to begin operations in 2031. 🛠️ Proxima Fusion introduces the 'Stellaris' concept, a peer-reviewed stellarator design leveraging high-temperature superconducting technology. With the world on the brink of an energy revolution, the focus has shifted dramatically towards technological innovations that promise sustainable and abundant power. One such pioneering endeavor is led by Proxima Fusion, a Munich-based start-up determined to harness the power of nuclear fusion. Recently securing $150 million in its Series A financing round, bringing its total funding to over $213 million, Proxima Fusion is making significant strides toward constructing a commercial fusion power plant using the stellarator design. This bold initiative not only signals a shift from traditional energy resources but also positions Proxima Fusion at the forefront of technological leadership in global energy. Engineering Milestones and Strategic Goals A significant portion of Proxima Fusion's new funding is dedicated to achieving specific engineering and development milestones. The primary objective is the completion of the Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) by 2027. This project serves as a crucial hardware demonstration aimed at de-risking the application of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology in stellarator designs. Such advancements are pivotal in fostering innovation across Europe. Proxima Fusion's approach is defined by a simulation-driven engineering strategy that integrates advanced computing to refine its designs. This methodology is instrumental in overcoming complex challenges associated with fusion technology. 'Fusion has become a real, strategic opportunity to shift global energy dependence from natural resources to technological leadership,' remarked Francesco Sciortino, CEO and Co-founder of Proxima Fusion. The engineering efforts are not just about achieving technical success but also about paving the way for a sustainable energy future. China Caught Off Guard as U.S. Unleashes Liquid Uranium Rocket to Conquer Mars with Unmatched Nuclear Speed Finalizing the Alpha Demonstration Stellarator In tandem with engineering advancements, Proxima Fusion is in the process of finalizing the location for its demonstration stellarator, aptly named 'Alpha.' This facility is a critical component of the company's roadmap, designed to demonstrate a net energy gain (Q>1), which is essential for the development of a functional fusion power plant. Set to commence operations in 2031, Alpha represents a significant step toward realizing commercial fusion energy. Negotiations are currently underway with several European governments to determine the most suitable site for this facility. Established in April 2023 as a spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Proxima Fusion operates within a public-private partnership, leveraging the experimental outcomes from the IPP's Wendelstein 7-X stellarator. This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing groundbreaking technologies. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Revealing the Concept of 'Stellaris' Proxima Fusion has introduced the 'Stellaris' concept, a robust, peer-reviewed stellarator design that integrates physics, engineering, and maintenance considerations from the onset. The Stellaris concept focuses on quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarators, which are seen as a promising path to commercial fusion energy. By utilizing HTS technology, Stellaris can generate stronger magnetic fields, allowing for the construction of smaller, yet highly efficient stellarators. Stellaris is designed with materials readily available within the current supply chain, mitigating potential delays from awaiting new technologies. This strategic decision is crucial for maintaining project timelines and achieving near-term goals. The comprehensive peer-review process and supportive simulations affirm Stellaris's capability to address known limitations in stellarator development, positioning Proxima Fusion as a leader in fusion energy innovation. 'Reactor Has a Mind Now': U.S. Nuclear Plants Given Digital Twins That Predict Failures Before They Even Exist The Road Ahead for Proxima Fusion Looking forward, Proxima Fusion's journey is marked by ambitious goals and strategic planning. The recent influx of funding is a testament to the confidence investors have in the company's vision for a sustainable energy future. As Proxima Fusion advances toward its hardware and site selection goals, it continues to build on its strong foundation of engineering excellence and innovative design. The fusion industry, while challenging, offers immense potential for transforming global energy systems. With Proxima Fusion at the helm, the quest for fusion energy is not just a dream but a tangible reality within reach. What will the future hold for this groundbreaking technology, and how will it redefine the global energy landscape? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Faraday Factory Japan signed an agreement to deliver superconductor tape for the demo stellarator magnet of Proxima Fusion
Proxima Fusion's first-of-a-kind power plant Stellaris will use high temperature superconductor magnets to confine the burning plasma TOKYO, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Proxima Fusion and Faraday Factory Japan have signed a contract for the supply of high temperature superconducting (HTS) tape. This delivery will help the leading European stellarator developer Proxima Fusion to achieve its next milestone – a superconducting demo magnet. Stellarators are fusion machines which contain hot, ionized matter (plasma) within a magnetic field of remarkable strength and sophisticated geometry. Significant progress including the highest plasma triple product sustained for tens of seconds was attained recently with the W7-X stellarator, which is built and operated by the Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics (IPP) in Germany. Proxima Fusion, originally spun out from the IPP, is building on the record-breaking expertise of W7-X, combining it with advances in stellarator optimization, computational design and state-of-the-art HTS magnet technology. After completing delivering its demo magnet in 2027, Proxima will focus on the delivery of Alpha in 2031, Proxima's net-energy demo stellarator, followed by the first-of-a-kind commercial fusion power plant Stellaris in the 2030s. Timely supply of high-quality HTS tape is essential to keep fusion on fast track. While it takes thousands of kilometers of superconducting tape to build a typical energy-positive fusion prototype, scaling up the fusion industry to commercial power will require millions of kilometers. Since 2020, Faraday Factory has ramped up production by 10 times. The new HTS tape delivery contract is an important milestone, further strengthening the HTS supply chain for the nascent but transformative fusion industry.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
German fusion energy firm Proxima Fusion secures $150m financing
European fusion energy company Proxima Fusion has closed a €130m ($150m) Series A financing round, bringing its total funding to more than €185m in private and public capital. The Series A round, the largest private fusion investment in Europe to date, was jointly led by Cherry Ventures and Balderton Capital, with substantial contributions from a consortium of investors including UVC Partners, DeepTech & Climate Fonds, Elaia Partners, Visionaries Tomorrow and redalpine. redalpine led Proxima Fusion's seed round in 2024, just one year earlier. Proxima Fusion CEO and co-founder Francesco Sciortino stated: "Fusion has become a real, strategic opportunity to shift global energy dependence from natural resources to technological leadership. Proxima is perfectly positioned to harness that momentum by uniting a spectacular engineering and manufacturing team with world-leading research institutions, accelerating the path toward bringing the first European fusion power plant online in the next decade." This influx of capital bolsters Proxima's mission to pioneer commercial fusion energy, a move supported by the European Union and national governments including Germany, the UK, France and Italy, who view fusion as critical for achieving energy independence and sustainable economic growth. Cherry Ventures founding partner Filip Dames stated: 'We back founders solving humanity's hardest problems — and few are bigger than clean, limitless energy." "Proxima Fusion combines Europe's scientific edge with commercial ambition, turning world-class research into one of the most promising fusion ventures globally. This is deep tech at its best, and a bold signal that Europe can lead on the world stage.' Established in April 2023 as a spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), Proxima Fusion maintains a strong public-private partnership with IPP. The company's approach to engineering is driven by simulations, utilising advanced computing and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. These strategies build upon the IPP's Wendelstein 7-X stellarator experiment's results. In early 2025 Proxima Fusion, alongside IPP, KIT and other partners, unveiled Stellaris — a stellarator concept that integrates physics, engineering and maintenance. The fresh investment will enable Proxima Fusion to complete its Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) by 2027, a crucial step in validating HTS technology for stellarators and promoting European HTS innovation. The company is finalising the location for Alpha, its demonstration stellarator, and is in discussions with several European governments. Alpha, expected to commence operations in 2031, will be pivotal for demonstrating net energy gain (Q>1) and advancing towards the first-of-its-kind fusion power plant. Proxima Fusion is also expanding its team, which currently exceeds 80 members, across three locations: its Munich headquarters, the Paul Scherrer Institute near Zurich and the Culham fusion campus near Oxford. "German fusion energy firm Proxima Fusion secures $150m financing" 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.
