Novatron Fusion Group, in close collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, KIPT (Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology), UKAEA, and EIT InnoEnergy, are pleased to announce the launch of the TauEB project — set to revolutionize plasma confinement and energy containment in fusion reactors.
The success of fusion power plants hinges on the quality of energy confinement, which must meet two essential criteria: stability and the ability to sustain plasma over time with minimal leakage.
The TauEB project, funded by the prestigious EIC Pathfinder Program, addresses this challenge by focusing on enhancing plasma confinement time (τE) by over hundred times — a major breakthrough in achieving commercially viable fusion energy.
Key Innovation: The project introduces a first-of-its-kind integration of three physical confinement techniques:
· Magnetic Confinement: Through the Novatron’s unique magnetic mirror design.
· Ambipolar Plugging: An electrostatic plugging at the magnetic mirrors, achieved by creating an electric potential within the plasma.
· Ponderomotive Confinement: Confinement of the plasma by an external electric RF-field, using the ponderomotive force.
The combination of the three techniques is expected to not only drastically improve confinement, but also to make fusion power economically attractive by generating energy at a competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).
CTO Jan Jäderberg of Novatron Fusion Group comments: “Our collaboration with global leaders strengthens the credibility and potential impact of the TauEB project. We are now poised to demonstrate a truly scalable and cost-effective fusion reactor technology.”
The project also includes comprehensive risk management strategies to address technical challenges and the complexity of current regulatory hurdles. With partners such as KTH, KIPT and UKAEA, the project brings together leading experts in magnetic confinement, plasma stability, radio-frequency plasma heating, and advanced diagnostics. In addition, EIT InnoEnergy brings expertise in innovation and commercialization, ensuring a strong pathway to market.
“The Pathfinder Program is aimed at fostering radical innovations with high potential for real-world impact. With Novatron Fusion Group’s groundbreaking approach to fusion, we’re bringing together an interdisciplinary team of world-class experts in fusion research and development. This unique collaboration will help drive the ongoing development of the novel fusion technology, positioning us to achieve major milestones in the quest for commercially viable fusion energy,” says Per Brunsell, professor in Fusion Plasma Physics at KTH.
In times when the energy demand keeps rising and the global energy sector rapidly pivots toward sustainable solutions, fusion energy is positioned to be a cornerstone of the future energy mix. This was also emphasized by the evaluators, who praised the project by giving it a 4.9/5 rating for being a “radically new technology” that significantly advances fusion energy’s commercial viability.
“There is a growing momentum in the field of fusion energy. As we continue to advance our technological roadmap, the TauEB project is a major step toward achieving a commercially scalable fusion reactor, paving the way for a cleaner, sustainable future, concludes Jan Jäderberg.”