background imageOpenStar Technologies

A nuclear fusion startup just reached a milestone to commercialize unlimited clean energy

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: OpenStar Technologies, a New Zealand-based startup, has announced a breakthrough in nuclear fusion by creating superheated plasma at 300,000°C using a novel "inside-out" reactor design
This marks a significant step toward achieving nuclear fusion, a potential source of near-limitless clean energy
OpenStar aims to develop scalable prototypes over the next few years

🔭 The context: Unlike traditional fission-based nuclear power, fusion involves fusing hydrogen atoms to produce energy, mimicking the process powering stars
OpenStar’s reactor uses a unique levitated magnet inside the plasma, inspired by planetary magnetic fields, and claims faster, simpler engineering compared to the popular tokamak design
Fusion startups worldwide are racing to commercialize this energy source, which has seen $7.1 billion in investments to date

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Fusion energy promises an abundant, non-polluting alternative to fossil fuels without the long-lived radioactive waste of traditional nuclear energy
It could serve as a game-changing solution for the escalating climate crisis while utilizing existing power grids

⏭️ What's next: OpenStar plans to build two more prototypes in the next 2-4 years, with a goal of delivering fusion power in six years
Other companies, like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, project commercialization by the early 2030s
Experts caution that overcoming the scientific and regulatory challenges remains daunting

💬 One quote: “First plasma is a really important moment. It’s the moment that you know that everything works effectively,” - Ratu Mataira, OpenStar’s founder and CEO

📈 One stat: Fusion companies globally have secured over $7.1 billion in funding as of 2024

Click for more news covering the latest on nuclear energy

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)