TechCrunch Startup News Fusion power has a fuel problem; Hexium has a laser-powered solution
Apr 17, 2025
Fusion startups face significant hurdles, particularly in securing limited lithium isotopes for fuel. The challenges of establishing a reliable supply chain for fusion energy are examined. Hexium, a new player in the field, is using innovative Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation technology to tackle these issues. With $8 million in seed funding, Hexium's goal is to create efficient facilities to produce vital lithium-6 for fusion reactors, potentially revolutionizing energy production.
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Fusion Fuel Shortage
- Fusion startups face the challenge of fueling their reactors.
- A key ingredient, tritium, requires a specific lithium isotope that is currently scarce.
Hexium's Origin
- Charlie Jarrod, while at Focused Energy, noticed the lack of focus on the fusion fuel supply chain.
- This led to the founding of Hexium, aiming to address this issue.
AVLIS for Lithium
- Hexium uses Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS).
- This technology, originally for uranium, sorts lithium isotopes.