Proxima Fusion plans first commercial fusion power plant

Proxima Fusion, together with the Free State of Bavaria, RWE, and the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, has signed a memorandum of understanding. This MoU outlines the planned collaboration between the Munich-based startup and its partners in the construction of a demonstration reactor and a subsequent commercial fusion power plant. The parties intend to cooperate on planning, permitting processes, project structure, and financing.

The project begins with the demonstration stellarator Alpha in Garching near Munich. The Stellaris power plant will then be built at the former power plant site in Gundremmingen.

Demonstrator Alpha: Testing and reducing risks

The Alpha demonstration reactor is to be built in the immediate vicinity of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. The facility is intended to demonstrate a positive energy balance for a fusion plasma for the first time. Plasma refers to an extremely hot, electrically charged state of matter. In a fusion reactor, atomic nuclei fuse together within this plasma, releasing energy.

The demonstrator is designed to test key technologies under realistic conditions and reduce technical risks. The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is responsible for scientific leadership and research in plasma physics. Proxima Fusion is responsible for engineering, tendering, and construction.

Francesco Sciortino, Co-founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion, says: 

"This MoU is a milestone that visibly positions the European fusion industry on the global stage."

Stellaris power plant planned in Gundremmingen

The planned Stellaris fusion power plant is to be built on the site of the former Gundremmingen nuclear power plant. RWE is currently dismantling the facility. According to the agreement, some of the existing infrastructure could continue to be used.

The partners are planning financing through a combination of private and public funds. Proxima Fusion intends to finance approximately 20 percent of the project costs through international investors. The Free State of Bavaria has indicated a potential participation of around 20 percent, provided federal funding is received.

Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, says: 

"The potential of fusion technology for the energy supply of the future is enormous."

Also Sibylle Günter, scientific director of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, sees progress on the path to the practical use of the technology:

 "The scientific successes of recent years have paved the way."

According to the project partners, the construction of Alpha and Stellaris could create several thousand jobs. Investments are planned for construction, manufacturing, power electronics, and superconducting magnets, among other things.