Author: PPD Team Date: 28/03/2025
US-based Type One Energy has released the physics design basis for its Infinity Two stellarator fusion power plant, marking a critical step in advancing fusion energy.
The published design, the first of its kind, outlines the operational parameters necessary for a practical fusion pilot plant and provides a foundation for external review and collaboration within the global fusion research community.
Infinity Two is being developed for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) utility in the US. The design prioritizes realistic plasma performance, construction feasibility, and economic viability. It incorporates lessons from existing power plant operations and builds upon the optimized stellarator fusion technology demonstrated by the W7-X science machine in Germany.
Fuelled by deuterium-tritium, the plant is designed to generate 800 MW of fusion power, delivering 350 MWe to the grid. The plasma is stable with minimal heat loss, while a blanket system supports tritium breeding and shielding. Island divertors are included to manage helium ash exhaust, a crucial element for maintaining plasma conditions.
Type One Energy’s approach goes beyond theoretical research, focusing on solutions that improve power plant capacity factors and reduce the levelized cost of electricity. The physics design basis ensures the plant meets regulatory standards for manufacturing and construction while aiming for reasonable overnight costs.
Chris Hegna, a stellarator theorist at Type One Energy, led high-fidelity computational analyses using US Department of Energy supercomputers to refine the design and reduce technical risks. The company’s Chief Science and Engineering Officer, John Canik, highlighted how access to high-performance computing enabled an integrated stellarator design that advances beyond conventional fusion concepts.
Type One Energy CEO Christofer Mowry emphasized that the project is designed for reliable grid-scale electricity generation, not just scientific experimentation. “The physics basis for Infinity Two is grounded in what is required for real-world power generation. We understand this is not about designing a science project,” he stated.
With a clear focus on both technical feasibility and economic practicality, Type One Energy’s Infinity Two design brings fusion energy closer to commercial reality.