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Can Germany’s Strong Engineering Base Propel Fusion Technology to New Heights?

Germany recently announced an impressive Ôé¼370m in additional funding for nuclear fusion research and development, bringing the total budget to Ôé¼1bn over the next five years. This significant investment raises the question: is Germany poised to make major strides in fusion engineering?

Nuclear fusion is the same process that powers the sun, generating enormous amounts of energy by combining hydrogen nuclei. If successfully harnessed here on Earth, fusion energy holds the potential for abundant, low-cost, and emission-free electricity. However, the engineering obstacles to achieving this feat are formidable. Igniting and maintaining a fusion reaction requires immense temperature and pressure, along with technology that has yet to be invented.

Fortunately, both private companies and government projects worldwide have made remarkable progress in overcoming these challenges in recent years. With Germany’s renowned strength in engineering, the nation seems primed for success. Nevertheless, some critics argue that the German government’s investment has come too late. Marvel Fusion, a German fusion start-up, has even chosen to build its laser fusion facility in the United States, citing Germany’s slow progress and lack of government support and subsidies as decisive factors.

Nevertheless, three other German fusion start-ups – Proxima Fusion, Gauss Fusion, and Focused Energy – are determined to collaborate on various aspects of research and development to expedite progress. Germany’s rich tradition of engineering excellence and its contribution to nuclear fusion research make it an ideal candidate to lead in reactor development.

A prime example of Germany’s involvement in cutting-edge fusion experiments is the Wendelstein 7-X, one of the most exciting and promising fusion projects globally. Additionally, institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have made significant contributions to international collaborations for years, demonstrating Germany’s commitment to fusion research.

Milena Roveda, the CEO of Gauss Fusion, recognizes Germany’s potential to play a crucial role in making fusion energy a reality. She emphasizes that Germany possesses exceptional physicists and hosts two of the most renowned fusion research devices. However, she notes that blending industry involvement with research institutes is essential to expedite development, as industry brings a sense of urgency and pragmatism that can push progress forward more rapidly.

Tony Donn├®, CEO of EUROfusion, a European fusion research consortium, shares this sentiment. He believes a 20-year timeline to achieve fusion reactors on the grid is aggressive but realistic. He suggests that involving industry in projects like ITER, an international fusion research endeavor based in France, could accelerate the process and make it more cost-effective. Donn├® envisions a collaborative effort between research institutes and industry, guided by clear leadership, governance, and a significant budget to mimic the success of the Manhattan Project.

Furthermore, German companies already contribute to fusion research by engineering individual components, such as the optics used in laser experiments. Donn├® believes that these companies could play a vital role in the long-term development of fusion reactors, especially in areas like new materials and fuel generation. Private companies tend to be less risk-averse and more agile, allowing for potential breakthroughs at a faster pace.

While fusion power plants are not a short-term solution, both Donn├® and Roveda emphasize the need for immediate and sustainable green solutions to combat carbon emissions. Fusion power may only become a reality in the second half of this century. However, Germany recognizes the urgency of the situation and the importance of energy independence, particularly in light of past challenges. The country is determined to reduce its reliance on foreign nations for energy supply and forge a path towards a brighter, cleaner future.

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