An artist’s 3D rendering of the innovative Novatron reactor design.
ASweden-based firm has launched a plasma confinement project to achieve commercially viable fusion energy.
The TauEB project by Novatron Fusion Group aims to revolutionize plasma confinement and energy containment in fusion reactors.
Novatron’s project will introduce a first-of-its-kind integration of three physical confinement techniques, which will include Magnetic Confinement, Ambipolar Plugging, and Ponderomotive Confinement.
Novatron’s unique magnetic mirror design
The company claims that the Magnetic Confinement will be achieved through Novatron’s unique magnetic mirror design. Meanwhile, Ambipolar Plugging is electrostatic plugging at the magnetic mirrors, achieved by creating an electric potential within the plasma.
In Ponderomotive Confinement, the plasma is confined by an external electric RF-field, using the ponderomotive force.
The company claims that the combination of the three techniques is expected to not only drastically improve confinement but also to make fusion power economically attractive by generating energy at a competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).
TauEB project addresses major challenge
Novatron explains that the success of fusion power plants hinges on the quality of energy confinement, which must meet two essential criteria: stability and the ability to sustain plasma over time with minimal leakage.
Funded by the prestigious EIC Pathfinder Program, the TauEB project addresses this challenge by focusing on enhancing plasma confinement time (τE) by over a hundred times — a major breakthrough in achieving commercially viable fusion energy.
“Our collaboration with global leaders strengthens the credibility and potential impact of the TauEB project,” said CTO Jan Jäderberg of Novatron Fusion Group.
“We are now poised to demonstrate a truly scalable and cost-effective fusion reactor technology.”
Project also includes comprehensive risk management strategies
This project involves an interdisciplinary consortium aiming to combine the deep expertise of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and other participants in nuclear fusion to achieve breakthroughs in the field. Fusion energy could provide humanity with unlimited access to clean, safe, and sustainable energy.
Novatron highlights that the project also includes comprehensive risk management strategies to address technical challenges and the complexity of current regulatory hurdles.
With partners such as KTH, KIPT, and UKAEA, the project brings together leading experts in magnetic confinement, plasma stability, radio-frequency plasma heating, and advanced diagnostics. In addition, EIT InnoEnergy brings expertise in innovation and commercialization, ensuring a strong pathway to market, according to a press release.
“The Pathfinder Program is aimed at fostering radical innovations with high potential for real-world impact. With Novatron Fusion Group’s groundbreaking approach to fusion, we’re bringing together an interdisciplinary team of world-class experts in fusion research and development,” said Per Brunsell, professor in Fusion Plasma Physics at KTH.
