A startup that began at Osaka University, EX-Fusion Co. Ltd. is developing a commercial, laser-based nuclear fusion reactor, the only one of its kind in Japan.
Laser-based nuclear fusion generates electricity by irradiating deuterium and tritium with powerful lasers to cause fusion reactions. Nuclear fusion technology is sparking global interest for being safe and clean, potentially enabling the decarbonization of Planet Earth.
What is nuclear fusion energy?
Conceptual Design of Laser Inertial Fusion Test Reactor (LIFT)
Nuclear fusion energy is clean energy without CO2 emissions, and laser-based nuclear fusion energy is believed to have exceptionally high industrial use potential. Fuel necessary for nuclear fusion energy already exists bountifully in the ocean, so there are no resource depletion issues, and the energy is generally considered to be safe and reliable. The fundamental difference with an atomic or nuclear fission reaction is that a nuclear fusion reaction between deuterium and tritium requires external pressure.
Further, there is no need to retrieve fuel during the reaction, leaving very little “nuclear” or high-level radioactive waste. When the facilities are serviced every few years, there will be old, replaced parts, but these will be low in radioactive levels with a half-life of 12 years, basically harmless in a span of a century.
So, three reasons make nuclear fusion technology safe and appropriate for commercial electricity generation in earthquake-prone Japan. First, in principle, it will not explode; second, no highly radioactive substances are involved; and third, only minimal wastes are emitted. That is why the world is closely watching, anticipating the development of commercial generators.
EX-Fusion originated from Osaka University’s Institute of Laser Engineering, which has led the global field of laser technology for over 50 years. Our research and development goals are to finish technical demonstrations by 2029 and to build a nuclear fusion technology reactor prototype by 2035.
Are there other benefits? What are the challenges to putting this to practical use?
There are other advantages to nuclear fusion energy beyond safety. Others include:
1：No carbon emissions
Only helium and neutrons are emitted, neither presenting any danger to the human body nor the planet.
2：Fuels for nuclear fusion are sourced from seawater
The ocean has an unlimited supply of deuterium and tritium, both fuel for nuclear fusion, so there is little concern about depletion. Even resource-challenged countries like Japan can become energy self-sufficient. Alleviated pressure on energy resources will decrease international conflicts over them; thus, the technology will ultimately contribute to world peace.
3：Resource supplies are unaffected by the environment
Compared to natural renewable energies such as solar or wind power, supplies are unaffected by the weather.
4：Creates a stable social platform foundation
Price fluctuations will become infrequent, steadying the price of retail home and industrial electricity, stabilizing general consumer prices and resulting in a financially sustainable social foundation.
Global energy consumption is forecasted to rise even further. The energy issue is a critical and global issue that no single company can resolve. To put nuclear fusion generation into practical use, we must cooperate and join hands with companies in and outside of Japan, such as electric power companies, facility management companies, and so on. Legislation also needs to catch up. We are trying to accelerate so Japan can lead the world as a clean energy producer.
Please take us through EX-Fusion’s history and where it is headed.
I studied laser-based nuclear fusion at Osaka University, and then moved to the United States as a researcher. During this time, I came to believe that tackling commercial reactors as a private company would be effective to turn commercial reactors into a reality. Also, if I were to start one up, I wanted it based in Osaka University, famous for its laser institute.
While the world turns to decarbonization, as the only private enterprise in Japan striving to bring commercial nuclear fusion reactors to fruition, we are proud to have started up in Osaka.
Our name, EX-Fusion reflects our three missions. The first is “EXTRACT,” extracting energy by making commercial nuclear fusion reactors into reality, and we are on our way. The second is “EXPLORE.” We want to explore laser technology’s potential opportunities in diverse industries to help fund more research. The last is “EXPAND.” Generating electricity is not the end point of nuclear fusion. We want to expand into further possibilities, such as space development and lightning induction technologies.
I’m often asked, “When will all this come into practical use?” I wish I could give a definitive date. Our current objective is to generate revenues with laser technology and develop an organizational structure that will put the revenue into good use to support the research and development of the commercial reactor.
We’ve received much support from many people. We want to give back by meeting and exceeding their expectations, so we will be focusing on progress, working with universities and corporations to proceed with the research.