For decades, Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) have been one of the most attractive opportunities in fusion because of the large power output, but one of the biggest doubts was whether they scale to power plant conditions. Conventional wisdom says the higher the temperature, the less stable plasma would become.

But now according to TAE’s new paper, that roadblock has been cleared.

In this episode, TAE computational physicist Roelof Groenewald shares how he and his team overturned this long-standing assumption. Their research shows that — somewhat paradoxically — FRC plasmas actually become more stable as they heat up. Think of a spinning top or bicycle or basketball spinning on your finger that becomes more stable the faster it spins. This breakthrough, along with TAE’s other enabling technologies, has enormous implications for the future of clean energy.

(00:33) Introduction to plasma physics, FRCs, and the challenge of stability

(01:50) Comparing FRCs to other fusion approaches

(04:22) How FRCs generate their own magnetic fields

(05:45) Plasma beta, efficiency, and why FRCs are special

(06:41) Why not everyone builds FRCs

(07:16) Stability concerns and the tilt problem

(09:19) Rosenbluth’s findings and the challenge of scaling FRCs

(11:07) Correlation between fast and hot, kinetic energy, and particle speed

(12:16) Challenging the old theory with real machines and simulations

(15:10) Proving stability at scale, matching math to reality

(18:09) Introduction to the simulation code and exascale computing

(20:40) Scaling up, confidence in simulation, and future machine design

(21:00) Exploring beam configurations and simulation experiments

(24:06) Overcoming obstacles, commercialization, and Da Vinci prototype

Full show notes: https://tae.com/proving-frc-fusion-stability-at-scale-with-senior-scientist-roelof-groenewald/

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In this episode, Matthew Lipka from TAE’s Policy & Global Affairs team explores how policy is shaping and accelerating the future of fusion energy in the United States. He shares his work educating policymakers on the trade-offs between different energy technologies—and why government leadership is essential to advancing next-generation solutions. Compared to fission, fusion is a cleaner, safer energy source and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has begun adapting its regulatory framework to reflect that lower risk. With rare bipartisan support, fusion is emerging not only as a climate solution, but as a pathway to energy security, economic growth and global leadership.

(02:27) Educating Lawmakers on Fusion

(03:18) Fusion vs. Fission: Key Differences

(06:28) Regulatory Progress for Fusion

(15:13) Future of Fusion: Funding and Investment

(19:58) Global Competition in Fusion Energy

Full transcript: https://tae.com/the-role-of-government-policy-in-advancing-fusion-with-tae-policy-global-affairs-matthew-lipka/

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In this episode, Kyoto Fusioneering co-founder Dr. Richard Pearson shares how his company is supplying the essential technology components others need to succeed. Rather than building reactors, Kyoto focuses on the “picks and shovels” of fusion, including systems such as:

• Gyrotrons: High-frequency microwave devices to heat plasma in magnetic fusion reactors.
• Fuel Cycle Systems: Enabling closed-loop fuel recycling, especially critical for companies pursuing deuterium-tritium fusion, which requires rare tritium.
• Liquid Breeding Blankets: Systems that use lithium to breed tritium and absorb neutron energy.

Regardless of the fusion method, every reactor needs a robust system to contain, fuel and extract energy from plasma. As fusion inches closer to commercialization, Kyoto Fusioneering is addressing these universal engineering needs by positioning itself not as a competitor in the race to build reactors, but as the key supplier helping everyone win that race.

Full transcript: https://tae.com/unlocking-the-fusion-industry-supply-chain-with-kyoto-fusioneerings-richard-pearson/

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