Pacific Fusion Breaks Ground on New Mexico Fusion Facility

Pacific Fusion has broken ground on its new Research and Manufacturing Campus located at Mesa del Sol in New Mexico. The facility is set to house the company's Demonstration System, which aims to achieve net facility gain, producing more energy from fusion than is initially stored in the machine, by 2030. This milestone, if achieved, would represent a significant step towards commercial fusion power. The Demonstration System is also designed to generate bursts of high-energy fusion output exceeding 100 megajoules, positioning it as a high-yield fusion facility under construction in the United States.

The development of high-yield fusion capabilities is relevant to national security research, offering a platform for scientific advancements related to maintaining the U.S. nuclear stockpile without the need for explosive nuclear testing. During a ceremony marking the start of construction, Pacific Fusion and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced a memorandum of understanding. This agreement is intended to explore collaboration opportunities in areas such as high-yield fusion, high-energy-density science, pulsed-power technologies, advanced materials, and modeling and simulation.

Manufacturing and Workforce Expansion

Pacific Fusion's investment in the new campus is also intended to lay the groundwork for a broader fusion manufacturing industry within New Mexico. The project is projected to create over 200 long-term jobs, in addition to hundreds of construction jobs. The initiative includes workforce development programs and is expected to stimulate regional economic activity.

The company is concurrently expanding its manufacturing operations in Los Lunas, New Mexico. This expansion will focus on the production of modular pulsed-power components essential for its fusion systems. Pacific Fusion, founded in 2023, is developing a pulser-driven inertial fusion system that utilizes modular, mass-manufacturable components made from readily available materials. This approach builds upon decades of investment and research conducted at U.S. national laboratories, including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Future Milestones and Industry Vision

Pacific Fusion is now entering a new phase of growth, focusing on scaling the production of its modular pulsed-power technology and increasing its manufacturing presence in New Mexico. The company's next significant technical objective is the demonstration of a full-scale pulser module, which will serve as a foundational element for its fusion system.

Company leadership emphasized the importance of converting scientific breakthroughs into industrial capabilities. Keith LeChien, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, stated that Pacific Fusion aims to convert scientific leadership into industrial capability and infrastructure that enhances U.S. energy leadership and national security. Carrie von Muench, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, highlighted the potential for creating an entirely new energy industry through the manufacturing and deployment of these systems at scale, expressing a desire for this industry, its supply chains, and jobs to be established in the United States.

Yesterday, we had a fruitful discussion on building a robust nuclear insurance ecosystem in India following the SHANT...

Yesterday, we had a fruitful discussion on building a robust nuclear insurance ecosystem in India following the SHANTI Act, with Prabha Chokhani, Head of Broking and Placement – India, Willis, a WTW business.

The webinar brought together a strong representation of stakeholders, making for an insightful exchange on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Three key takeaways:

Insurance will be a critical enabler of private-sector participation and investment in India’s nuclear sector.

As the market evolves, there may be a need for greater insurance capacity and broader coverage, including hot-zone exposures, business interruption and transportation of radioactive materials.

Collaboration with international nuclear pools and reinsurers could play an important role in building capacity and supporting the growth of the market.

A big thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussion.

This is just the beginning. We’ll be announcing the next NucFinder webinar soon — stay tuned.

Netherlands Advances Reactor Design Studies for New Nuclear Plants

The Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) has commenced Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1) studies with EDF and Westinghouse. These studies are a critical step in the procurement process for two new nuclear power plants planned for the country. The FEED 1 studies will be conducted in two phases, with the initial phase (FEED 1a) focusing on aspects independent of the final plant location. This approach allows for continued progress while the Dutch government finalizes the site selection process. The second phase (FEED 1b) will then address site-specific considerations once a draft Preferred Site Decision is made.

During these design studies, EDF and Westinghouse will evaluate how their reactor designs align with Dutch legislation and regulatory requirements. This includes assessing compliance with construction regulations, licensing requirements, technical standards, and the overall project schedule. The studies also aim to identify potential risks and key areas requiring attention early in the development process. The studies are projected to last between 12 and 18 months, with the exact duration dependent on the government's timeline for adopting a draft Preferred Site Decision.

NEO NL stated that the outcomes of these studies will form a foundation for the further preparation of the nuclear power stations. They will also help define the responsibilities of the future plant owner versus the technology supplier. A technology supplier decision will not be made during this phase; it will occur after the official tendering procedure is completed. The studies are intended to enable EDF and Westinghouse to develop well-substantiated proposals for the construction of the nuclear power plants, contributing to more predictable costs, reduced implementation risks, and a carefully managed procurement process.

These FEED 1 studies build upon earlier feasibility studies commissioned by the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth. EDF, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Westinghouse were previously contracted to conduct these initial studies for their respective reactor designs—the EPR, APR-1400, and AP1000—in the Netherlands. The feasibility studies examined compliance with Dutch legislation, suitability for the Borssele location, and provided detailed cost and time estimates. Although KHNP later withdrew from the process, the Dutch nuclear regulator, the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, indicated that all three designs met necessary safety requirements. The current design studies represent a more detailed assessment against the full range of Dutch legislation and regulatory requirements.

The Netherlands currently operates one nuclear power reactor, a 482 MWe pressurized water reactor at Borssele, which has been connected to the grid since 1973 and generates approximately 3% of the country's electricity. In December 2021, the Dutch coalition government integrated nuclear power into its climate and energy policy, advocating for the construction of new reactors in addition to extending the operational life of the Borssele plant. Preliminary plans anticipate two new reactors, each with a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe, to be completed around 2035. These reactors are projected to supply 9-13% of the country's electricity production by that year. While Borssele is currently considered the most suitable location, three other sites—Tweede Maasvlakte, Terneuzen, and Eemshaven—are also under consideration, with a location selection expected next month. NEO NL, established in February, plays a central role in the preparation, construction, and operation of these new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands.