TechCrunch Startup News Focused Energy buys two of the world’s most powerful lasers for its fusion quest
Dec 18, 2024
The startup's ambitious plan involves installing massive lasers for their fusion power facility in the San Francisco Bay Area. They focus on inertial confinement fusion and the groundbreaking advancements in laser technology. The conversation covers the hurdles they face in scaling up this innovative tech. There’s also a goal to achieve commercial fusion power by 2035, making waves in the energy sector.
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Focused Energy's Laser Acquisition
- Focused Energy bought two powerful lasers for $40 million, aiming for 10 shots per second in their fusion pursuit.
- These lasers, capable of one shot per minute, are key to their inertial confinement fusion approach.
Laser Technology Demonstrators
- Focused Energy's lasers, firing once per minute, are technology demonstrators for their pilot fusion plant.
- They are developing high-energy main amplifiers in parallel as they don't currently exist, says Doug Hammond.
Laser Requirements for Power Plant
- Focused Energy's commercial power plant requires thousands of lasers, exceeding global diode capacity.
- This high number ensures enough energy for ignition and plant reliability, even with repairs, according to Damien Bouet.