MIT spinout Commonwealth Fusion Systems unveils plans for the world’s first fusion power plant

The company has announced that it will build the first grid-scale fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
Dec. 17, 2024 ~6 min

Study: Fusion energy could play a major role in the global response to climate change

Experts in energy systems modeling and fusion technology explore the future role of fusion at various costs and carbon constraints.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Oct. 24, 2024 ~11 min


To make nuclear fusion a reliable energy source one day, scientists will first need to design heat- and radiation-resilient materials

Fusion reactors get hot − scientists need materials that can take the heat without deforming and deteriorating.

Sophie Blondel, Research Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Oct. 18, 2024 ~8 min

Tech bosses think nuclear fusion is the solution to AI’s energy demands – here’s what they’re missing

Nuclear fusion can’t produce net energy, so is it really a solution to AI’s growing energy demands?

Sophie Cogan, PhD Candidate in Politics and Environment, University of York • conversation
Oct. 17, 2024 ~7 min

More durable metals for fusion power reactors

MIT researchers have found a way to make structural materials last longer under the harsh conditions inside a fusion reactor.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Aug. 19, 2024 ~12 min

A new approach to fine-tuning quantum materials

An MIT-led group shows how to achieve precise control over the properties of Weyl semimetals and other exotic substances.

Steve Nadis | Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering • mit
Aug. 12, 2024 ~9 min

Fusion power could transform how we get our energy — and worsen problems it’s intended to solve

Some processes that support fusion energy fuel climate change and may harm the environment.

Sophie Cogan, PhD Candidate, University of York • conversation
July 5, 2024 ~6 min

Scientists observe record-setting electron mobility in a new crystal film

The newly synthesized material could be the basis for wearable thermoelectric and spintronic devices.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
July 1, 2024 ~9 min


Future nuclear power reactors could rely on molten salts — but what about corrosion?

MIT researchers show that using the right metals could alleviate the corrosion problem in these promising new reactor designs.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 21, 2024 ~18 min

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

Detailed study of magnets built by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirms they meet requirements for an economic, compact fusion power plant.

David L. Chandler | MIT News • mit
March 4, 2024 ~13 min

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