Research overview

Nuclear fusion is set to play a strategic role in the EU’s decarbonisation plans, which aims to become the first net-zero emissions economy by 2050. The Tau-E Breakthrough (TauEB) project builds on Novatron's revolutionary mirror fusion concept, which stabilizes plasma, to develop plasma plugs essential for extending plasma confinement time. This advancement enables scalability to a fusion reactor capable of producing energy at a competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), propelling nuclear fusion toward commercial viability. The project promises significant social, environmental, economic, and geopolitical benefits, including mitigating climate change, stabilizing energy prices, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Nuclear fusion offers the potential for a clean, sustainable, 24/7 energy supply, but decades of investment have yet to overcome critical scientific and technical barriers. Effective confinement, requiring both stability and minimal plasma leakage, is crucial for a fusion reactor's performance. While Novatron addresses plasma stability, TauEB focuses on enhancing energy confinement time (τE) through three synergistic physical methods:  

1. Magnetic confinement via Novatron’s magnetic mirrors.  

2. Ambipolar plugging is achieved by creating electric potential within the plasma.  

3. Ponderomotive confinement, using external radiofrequency electric fields.  

The integration of these methods is projected to improve energy confinement time by over 100-fold, significantly exceeding what is necessary for cost-competitive fusion energy. TauEB’s innovations are expected to result in multiple patents and elevate the project’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 2 to 4.