Super-Magnets: 100,000 Times Stronger Than Earth's Magnetic Field Pave the Way for Nuclear Fusion

Commonwealth Fusion Systems achieves a breakthrough with super-magnets 100,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field, propelling nuclear fusion technology closer to a carbon-free energy future.

The quest for limitless, carbon-free energy took a giant leap forward as Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), the world's largest private nuclear fusion company, celebrated a groundbreaking achievement. Based in Massachusetts, the company successfully tested the Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC), a critical component of its SPARC tokamak reactor. This development brings CFS closer to its ambitious goal of supplying clean energy to the grid by the early 2030s.

A Fusion Milestone: Testing the Super-Magnet

Nuclear fusion, often hailed as the holy grail of energy, promises virtually limitless power without carbon emissions or high-level radioactive waste. CFS has emerged as a frontrunner in this field, thanks to innovative technologies like its high-temperature super-conductor magnets (HTS).

The CSMC test demonstrated remarkable capabilities, generating a magnetic field of 5.7 Tesla—an astonishing 100,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field. It also set a new record for stored energy, reaching 3.7 mega-joules (MJ). To put this into perspective, 1 MJ equals one million joules of energy.

Additionally, the CFS team tested electric currents of up to 50,000 amperes, the maximum SPARC is designed to handle, equivalent to powering 250 homes.

Revolutionary Tokamak Design

CFS's approach to nuclear fusion relies on its tokamak reactor design, which uses HTS magnets to confine fusion plasma. The Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC) and Toroidal Field Model Coil (TFMC), both integral to the SPARC design, work in tandem to stabilize and control the plasma.

While the TFMC test in 2021 demonstrated the ability of HTS magnets to sustain a steady electric current, the recent CSMC test proved their effectiveness with pulsing currents. This is crucial for maintaining the fusion process and marks a significant technological advance.

Unprecedented Support for Fusion Research

The global race to commercialize fusion energy has gained momentum, with startups securing over $7 billion in funding. CFS alone has raised $2 billion since 2018, bolstered by government grants and private investment.

Looking Ahead: Building SPARC

With the successful testing of its magnets, CFS is now focused on constructing the SPARC reactor at its Devens, Massachusetts facility. The company aims to achieve plasma ignition by 2026, a key step toward integrating fusion power into the energy grid by the early 2030s.

The Future of Clean Energy

The development of super-magnets 100,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field underscores the transformative potential of nuclear fusion. As Commonwealth Fusion Systems continues to pioneer advancements, the dream of limitless, carbon-free energy is moving closer to reality, promising to reshape the global energy landscape for generations to come.