In the quest for sustainable energy, fusion power stands out as a tantalizing possibility, reminiscent of the stars shining brightly in our universe. The concept is both simple and complex: harness the power of nuclear fusion—the same reaction that fuels the sun—here on Earth. The potential benefits are enormous. Fusion offers a nearly limitless energy source using abundant materials, with the promise of minimal environmental impact. Yet the journey towards commercial fusion power remains fraught with challenges, and many experts believe we are still at least a decade away from making it a reality.
At the forefront of this ambitious venture is Marvel Fusion, a startup aiming to revolutionize the field of inertial confinement fusion. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Moritz von der Linden, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. As the world grapples with the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels, he insists that fusion technology must be developed quickly and affordably to compete with the rapidly decreasing costs of renewable energy sources and battery storage. If fusion cannot deliver on these fronts, it risks being relegated to the sidelines of the energy landscape.
Marvel Fusion’s approach departs from traditional methods employed by larger facilities like the National Ignition Facility (NIF). While NIF has made significant strides in demonstrating that controlled fusion can yield more energy than it consumes, its reliance on decades-old laser technology presents limitations. In contrast, Marvel Fusion is leveraging cutting-edge innovations to enhance the power and efficiency of its lasers, positioning itself to make significant contributions to the field.
The company is embarking on an exciting project in collaboration with Colorado State University. Construction of a demonstration facility is set to commence on October 16, with plans to operationalize it by early 2027. This facility will feature two high-powered lasers capable of firing at an astonishing rate—every femtosecond, or one billionth of a second. The lasers will target a specially designed material, initiating a fusion reaction that relies primarily on hydrogen and boron.
What sets Marvel apart is its commitment to mass manufacturing. Unlike NIF’s complex and time-consuming fuel pellet production process, Marvel’s fuel is solid at room temperature, making it easier to handle. This innovative approach extends to the targets used in the fusion process. Rather than utilizing expensive gold hohlraums, Marvel employs silicon, a material that can be produced using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques. This strategy not only streamlines production but also significantly reduces costs.
With successful experiments in Colorado, Marvel plans to enhance its laser energy output by 2028 or 2029. Recently, the company secured €62.8 million in a Series B funding round, led by HV Capital, with participation from several notable investors. Additionally, Marvel was awarded a grant from the European Innovation Council, further bolstering its financial position as it strives towards its ambitious goals.
The first commercial-scale prototype is projected to be completed around 2032 or 2033, featuring between 10 and 20 lasers, each with a capacity of two kilojoules. This marks a critical phase in Marvel’s journey, as the performance of this prototype will determine the viability of its fusion technology. Von der Linden describes the initial Colorado facility as a stepping stone, akin to “driving a Ferrari with a two-cylinder engine.” While it may be functional, it won’t fully realize the potential of Marvel’s innovative approach to fusion power.
The race for fusion energy is heating up, with Marvel Fusion and others striving to cross the finish line. As global energy demands continue to rise and the urgency for sustainable solutions intensifies, the success of fusion technology could redefine our relationship with energy. The implications of harnessing this powerful source could be transformative, offering a cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy future. The journey is just beginning, and as technology advances, the hope for a sustainable energy breakthrough grows ever closer.