US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
New Zealand Startup Achieves World-First Levitated Magnet Plasma Confinement
OpenStar's $10 million prototype levitated a 0.5-tonne magnet and confined plasma above 1,000,000°C, advancing fusion tech with potential for compact, cost-effective reactors.
- Today, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced a $35 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support OpenStar Technologies after its Junior prototype reached First Plasma within two years.
- Using an inside-out levitated dipole, OpenStar Technologies places a magnet inside the plasma rather than external coils, aiming to upscale its design for commercial fusion in New Zealand.
- A 0.5-tonne superconducting magnet recently levitated inside a roughly 5-metre vacuum chamber using the Junior $10,000,000 prototype to confine plasma heated above 1,000,000°C.
- The New Zealand government says the support will attract international investment and create high-skilled jobs while anchoring a bespoke fusion R&D facility, officials say.
- With over $7.1 billion in industry funding and more than 50 companies, experts caution the road remains long as OpenStar acknowledges it will need $500 million to $1 billion to resolve risks.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
Ratu Mataira: OpenStar Technologies CEO on their successful step towards nuclear fusion - The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Kiwi company OpenStar Technologies has taken a serious step forward in the global race towards nuclear fusion. Backed by $35 million in government funding, they’ve successfully levitated a half tonne superconducting magnet, confining a cloud of ultra-hot plasma. It’s a key milestone in recreating the same process that powers the sun – ultimately producing carbon-free energy. CEO Dr Ratu Mataira told Mike Hosking now they’ve proven the eng…
·Cherokee County, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
45% Left
L 45%
C 33%
R 22%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
