Proxima Fusion forms Alpha Alliance for stellarator industrial push

The Alpha stellarator’s intricate high-temperature superconducting coils take shape through the Alpha Alliance’s industrial supply chain.

(Image courtesy of Proxima Fusion)

Proxima Fusion has formed the Alpha Alliance. This consortium brings together more than 30 industrial companies and public research institutions to design, manufacture and integrate components for Alpha, its demonstration stellarator. The effort marks a concrete step toward industrialising stellarator technology in Europe.

Alpha targets a plasma energy gain ratio above one, a first for stellarators. Fusion reactions in the plasma must produce more power than the heating systems input. This scientific breakeven stands as a key proof point in fusion development. No stellarator has achieved it yet.

Stellarators hold a clear edge over tokamaks. Plasma confinement relies entirely on external magnetic coils, not an internal plasma current. This design supports continuous fusion reactions free from tokamak disruptions. The hurdle remains manufacturing those coils. Their intricate 3D shapes demand extreme precision. Alpha aims to validate reliable production at scale.

Alliance members span the supply chain. They offer expertise in high-temperature superconducting wire, cryogenics, vacuum systems, power electronics, remote handling and precision structures. Participants include Siemens Energy, Air Liquide, Framatome, Fujikura, Thales, Pfeiffer Vacuum, TRUMPF and Wälischmiller. Public partners feature Fusion for Energy and Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Proxima’s parent institution from its 2023 spinout.

The Alliance goes beyond procurement. It develops manufacturing processes and supply chain foundations for future commercial stellarators. Alpha directly supports Stellaris, Proxima’s power plant design. The groundwork now targets that machine as well.

Munich-based Proxima has raised over 200 million euros from public and private sources. The company plans to release initial partner contracts and timelines soon.

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