Avalanche thinks the fusion power industry should think smaller

Avalanche Revolutionizing Nuclear Fusion with Desktop-Sized Reactors

Nuclear fusion is often associated with massive reactors or banks of large lasers, but Avalanche co-founder and CEO Robin Langtry believes that smaller is the way to go. For the past few years, Langtry and his team at Avalanche have been developing a desktop version of nuclear fusion, leveraging the benefits of small-scale experimentation for rapid learning and iteration.

The quest for fusion power holds the promise of providing the world with abundant clean energy, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Fusion power aims to replicate the energy production process of the Sun by heating and compressing plasma to facilitate atomic fusion. This industry is known for its complexity, requiring precision in physics, cutting-edge materials science, and massive power requirements that often hinder rapid experimentation.

While some companies opt for large magnets or powerful lasers to contain and compress plasma, Avalanche takes a unique approach by using high-voltage electric current to draw plasma particles into an orbit around an electrode. This method, combined with strategically placed magnets, accelerates particle collisions and fusion.

Avalanche’s innovative approach has attracted investors, with a recent $29 million investment round led by R.A. Capital Management. Despite raising a relatively modest $80 million to date, compared to other fusion startups, Avalanche’s focus on compact, efficient reactors sets them apart.

Drawing Inspiration from Space Tech

Leveraging his experience at Blue Origin, Langtry applies a “new space” methodology to Avalanche’s fusion research. This approach prioritizes rapid iteration and problem-solving, enabling the team to make frequent adjustments to their devices and accelerate progress.

By embracing a smaller reactor design, Avalanche has increased the pace of their testing, making changes to their devices as often as twice a week. The company’s reactor, currently only nine centimeters in diameter, is set to expand to 25 centimeters, aiming to generate 1 megawatt of power and achieve a Q>1 fusion ratio.

Avalanche’s testing facility, FusionWERX, not only serves as a platform for their experiments but also welcomes competitors to utilize the space. By 2027, the facility will be licensed to handle tritium, a crucial fuel source for many fusion startups aiming to power the grid.

Langtry remains optimistic about Avalanche’s future, aligning their timeline with competitors like CFS and Helion for significant advancements in fusion technology between 2027 and 2029. While he refrains from setting a specific date for surpassing the breakeven point, he anticipates exciting developments in the fusion industry in the coming years.