World’s top stellarator: US coal plant to host fusion energy facility

Stellarators stand out as leading contenders in achieving net positive energy in fusion. Decades of research have demonstrated their performance, characterized by predictable scalability owing to their straightforward operational design and established plasma stability at elevated ion and electron energy levels. 

According to Type Energy One, this inherent predictability mitigates the risk of encountering unforeseen physics complications, thereby bolstering their suitability for eventual commercial operation. 

Construction of Infinity One, which will be done in collaboration with the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is scheduled to commence in 2025, pending the conclusion of essential permission from various authorities.

“Project Infinity will create the world’s highest performance stellarator, offering an excellent platform for a potential long-term fusion research facility," said Christofer Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy, in a statement. 

Advanced technology 

Stellarators rely exclusively on external magnets to confine plasma, making adjustments to the shape and strength of magnetic fields crucial for optimizing performance. Achieving quasi-symmetry through the customization of a three-dimensional magnetic field entails intricate calculations.

Fortunately, computer modeling codes and high-performance computing advancements have empowered scientists to tailor these magnetic fields precisely, enhancing stellarator efficiency and effectiveness.

The twisted magnetic fields inherent to stellarator designs prevent fuel particles from drifting away from the fusion zone. This characteristic provides a multitude of advantages. Firstly, fusion confinement is achieved without the need for massive circulating currents, streamlining operational requirements.

Additionally, according to the firm, the design offers exceptional efficiency, eliminating parasitic recirculating power that would otherwise diminish overall output. 

Operating a stellarator in steady-state conditions offers significant practical benefits compared to pulsed fusion designs. The absence of pulsation mitigates high maintenance demands and reduces mechanical and thermal stresses, contributing to enhanced reliability and longevity.

As a result, stellarators present a promising pathway toward fusion power without encountering technical showstoppers that could impede progress, according to Type One Energy. 

Practical method

Executing its FusionDirect technology program, Type One Energy is embarking on a capital-efficient path to commercialization, leveraging a robust network of fusion partners. The program capitalizes on the expertise garnered from the exceptional collaboration within this network.

The co-founders of Type One Energy have already demonstrated the efficacy of stellarators by constructing the HSX and W7-X machines.

According to the firm, these operational stellarators provide tangible evidence of the alignment between theoretical predictions and real-world performance, bolstering confidence in the technology. 

The next phase involves propelling the pilot plant towards achieving stellarator fuel ignition conditions, symbolized by a quality factor (Q) reaching infinity, thereby paving the way for fusion-generated electricity to be integrated into the grid.

"Type One Energy is committed to making commercial fusion a reality over the next decade. Successful deployment of Infinity One in East Tennessee, with our partners TVA and ORNL, is a critical milestone in our FusionDirect commercialization program. It is also a watershed moment toward the commercialization of fusion, linking for the first time leaders in the technology, utility, and national laboratory sectors on an actual deployment project," said Mowry.