Japan-UK Partnership in Fusion Energy Advancements
Key Ideas
  • A gyrotron built by Japan's Kyoto Fusioneering has been delivered to Tokamak Energy in the UK to be installed on the ST40 spherical tokamak, aiding in fusion pilot plant designs.
  • The gyrotron will generate 1 MW of radio frequency power for Tokamak Energy over 18 months, producing high-power waves to heat a hydrogen plasma for fusion.
  • Tokamak Energy aims to use both its current neutral beam heating and the gyrotron heating simultaneously to enhance understanding of heating systems and control mechanisms.
  • Through partnerships and international collaboration, Tokamak Energy continues to push boundaries, with plans to commercialize clean fusion energy in the 2030s.
A gyrotron, manufactured by Japan's Kyoto Fusioneering, has been delivered to Tokamak Energy in the UK for installation on the ST40 spherical tokamak. This gyrotron is set to play a crucial role by generating 1 MW of radio frequency power over 18 months to heat a hydrogen plasma to temperatures hotter than the sun. The collaboration between the two companies aims to gather essential data to inform the design of future spherical tokamak pilot plants, with the ultimate goal of commercializing clean fusion energy by the 2030s. Tokamak Energy plans to utilize both its current neutral beam heating and the newly acquired gyrotron heating simultaneously to improve their understanding of heating systems and optimize control mechanisms. The partnership signifies a significant step forward in fusion energy research, showcasing robust UK-Japan collaboration and dedication to achieving sustainable fusion power. Background information reveals that Tokamak Energy, a spin-off from the UK's Atomic Energy Authority, has ambitious plans for fusion energy development. They are working on prototypes such as the ST80-HTS spherical tokamak, aiming to demonstrate the potential of high-temperature superconducting magnets and eventually deliver electricity to the grid by the 2030s. Additionally, plans for a high-field spherical tokamak plant capable of generating 800 MW of fusion power and 85 MW of electricity are in progress as part of the USA's Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy program. Recent partnerships with the US and UK energy departments further highlight Tokamak Energy's commitment to advancing fusion technology. An upgrade of the ST40 fusion facility, including a lithium-coated inner wall, is in the works with a USD52 million investment. Tokamak Energy has already made significant advancements in plasma temperature reaching 100 million degrees Celsius, with expertise from Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributing to ongoing upgrades and developments.
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