The world’s first large-scale nuclear power plant dedicated to nuclear fusion technology has been announced by an American startup. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is planting its reactors in the state of Virginia with the intention of supplying energy directly to the power grid.
“This is a historic moment. In the early 2030s, all eyes will be on the Richmond region and specifically Chesterfield County, Virginia, as the birthplace of commercial fusion energy “declared Bob Mumgaard, CEO and founder of CFS, in a press release.
A first plasma expected for 2026
This announcement is surprising to say the least since to date, the company has not yet produced any plasma. Plasma is the state in which hydrogen atoms are placed (at very high heat and very high pressure) so that the particles can collide and combine to deliver energy.
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For now, the startup is completing its SPARC demonstration machine in the state of Massachusetts, indicates Interesting Engineering. The instrument should allow CFS to produce its first plasma in 2026. But this step is only the first in a long and tedious process in view of the numerous initiatives in the field of nuclear fusion.
CFS will then have to stabilize its fusion reaction, ensure that it lasts long enough to release a surplus of energy and finally ensure that it properly recovers this electricity to redistribute it. The company estimates it will be able to deploy 400 MW of power, which is expected to power 150,000 homes by the early 2030s.
No release of harmful emissions or nuclear waste
“The project is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic development in the region and create hundreds of jobs during the construction and long-term operation of the plant”underlines CFS in its press release.
Nuclear fusion represents a renewable energy source with many hopes. Unlike nuclear fission, this technology has the advantage of creating no nuclear waste and releasing no harmful gases. But its realization remains a major challenge.
However, CFS’ announcement was particularly well received by electricity producer and distributor Dominion Energy Virginia. Its president, Edward Baine, assured: “Our customers’ growing needs for reliable, carbon-free energy benefit from as diverse a range of energy generation options as possible and, with this in mind, we are delighted to assist CFS in its efforts. “
