Commonwealth Fusion Systems Secures $85 Million for Advanced Fusion-Ready Semiconductor Development
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced on Thursday they will receive $85 million from the U.S. government to develop advanced chips for the fusion energy sector.
As fusion power startups race to showcase their initial demonstration devices, CFS is planning to activate its Sparc reactor next year. However, constructing a single reactor serves only as a proof of concept; to establish multiple commercial power plants, these startups will require more durable power electronics and a reliable supply chain.
The funding through the CHIPS Act, provided by the Department of Commerce, also gives the government a stake in CFS. This financial boost is intended to enhance research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for semiconductors within the U.S., according to the company.
Brandon Sorbom, co-founder and chief science officer at CFS, noted in a blog post that “this means a more capable and cost-effective power plant, alongside a stronger U.S. supply chain to support its construction.”
The funding will support five key initiatives.
The first initiative focuses on the improvement of silicon carbide power electronics. These semiconductors are essential for managing high voltages and are utilized in various applications, including LEDs, electric vehicles, cell phone base stations, and data centers. In fusion technology, they are crucial for driving the superconducting magnets that confine plasma within the reactor.
Additionally, CFS plans to develop next-generation radio-frequency power generators used to heat fusion fuel, alongside advanced electronics that will allow for quicker reactor control and enhanced resilience against radiation. This could significantly extend the lifespan of the electronics in a fusion power facility, thereby lowering operational expenses.
Finally, CFS aims to allocate part of the CHIPS funding to adapt artificial intelligence hardware, such as GPUs and TPUs, for use in power plants.
Sorbom added, “This funding will advance both the U.S. chip and power electronics sectors while speeding up fusion energy’s integration into the electrical grid.”
