Fusion technology

The energy of tomorrow - shaping it today

Welcome to the "Hottest Topic" in the energy sector! Here you can find out all about the high-tech fusion that will revolutionize our energy supply in the long term!

Fusion energy is considered the FUTURE TECHNOLOGY for sustainable, safe and complementary energy generation!
As Bayern Innovativ GmbH, we are the cross-industry think tank of the Bavarian economy, which promotes networking and corporate development for fusion and its key technologies.

Immerse yourself in the world of fusion and learn more about the different technological approaches in fusion energy and be inspired by the advantages of this cutting-edge technology made in Bavaria.

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ENERGIE & BAU

Additive manufacturing and new materials pave the way for fusion energy

Fusion technology competence map

With our fusion technologies competence map, we offer a constantly growing overview of know-how and technologies from research to industrial implementation. Companies and organizations can find suitable partners and network here. Is your company already involved in fusion technologies? Then we look forward to your profile entry.

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What is fusion?

Fusion is based on the fusion of atomic nuclei, similar to that in the sun. Light atoms (e.g. deuterium, tritium, etc.) fuse at extremely high temperatures and pressures, releasing enormous amounts of energy. Two main approaches are being pursued to realize "the energy of the sun" on Earth - magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. In Germany, four start-ups are currently working on their implementation.

What are the advantages of fusion?

Safety: Fusion reactions cannot get "out of control", as there is no risk of a chain reaction and core meltdown as with nuclear fission plants.
Base load capability: In the future, fusion power plants could serve as a weather-independent, continuous source of electricity to supplement volatile renewable energies.
Environmental friendliness: No direct CO2 emissions and no long-term radioactive waste

What is the difference to nuclear fission?

In nuclear fission , a heavy, radioactive atom (usually uranium-235) is caused to split into two lighter atoms by targeted excitation with a neutron. The fission releases energy which is used to heat water. This water then drives turbines that generate electricity. Due to the long radiation time, spent fuel elements, as well as measuring equipment, tools, protective clothing and similar items, have to be stored in repositories for a long time. Environmental disasters such as the one in Fukushima in 2011 can lead to radioactive material being released into the environment.

During fusion , two very light atoms are fused under great heat or pressure to form a heavier atom. Heat is also released here, which drives turbines. The hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium are usually used as fuel. Fusion also produces radioactive material, but this is only low to medium radioactive. In contrast to the radioactive waste from nuclear fission, this only has to be stored for around 100 ^years1, compared to the several thousand to one million years for the highly radioactive waste from nuclear fission. Furthermore, an unintentional chain reaction cannot occur in fusion reactors, which is why there is no risk of a core meltdown.

Source: ^1Advantagesof fusion

Fusion at Bayern Innovativ

We provide important impulses to accelerate knowledge and technology transfer and to facilitate the search for potential technology and project partners in other industries as well as to visualize the growing ecosystem around fusion technologies.

Magnetic confinement fusion

In magnetic fusion, a mixture of hydrogen isotopes is heated to over 100 million degrees Celsius. This creates a plasma in which the atomic nuclei fuse to form helium, releasing energy in the process. In order to avoid contact with the reactor walls, the plasma is stably confined and guided in a controlled manner by strong magnetic fields.

Inertial confinement fusion

(Laser) inertial confinement fusion uses extremely short and high-energy laser pulses to compress a tiny sphere of hydrogen isotopes simultaneously from all sides. Due to the strong compression and the resulting heat, the pressure and temperature inside increase to such an extent that the atomic nuclei fuse.