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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.
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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
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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%
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