#USA #Seattle #DARPA #Avalanche Energy #nuclear batteries

Avalanche Energy Secures $5.2 Million DARPA Contract for Nuclear Battery Technology

Avalanche Energy, a pioneering fusion energy startup focused on the creation of compact, modular fusion machines, has recently received a notable contract worth $5.2 million from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This funding is directed toward the development of a cutting-edge technology designed for resilient, compact nuclear batteries under the Rads to Watts program, which spans a 30-month timeline.

Transforming Alpha-Voltaic Technology

The Rads to Watts initiative is a critical DARPA program aimed at creating long-lasting nuclear power systems for military and aerospace applications. Traditional power sources such as batteries and solar energy are often insufficient in these extreme conditions. Avalanche aims to innovate solid-state, microfabricated cells capable of transforming alpha particles from radioisotopes into electricity, drawing a parallel to how solar cells convert light into electrical energy. The upcoming system has ambitious goals: to produce more than 10 watts of power per kilogram—sufficient to power a laptop for extended periods from a weight of just a few kilograms.

By leveraging advanced technologies and rigorous testing using particle accelerators and active radioisotopes, Avalanche Energy aims to validate the operational endurance of this system, ensuring it remains functional in harsh environments.

Pathway to Fusion Power

While the work under the DARPA contract is initially focused on radioisotope power, the advancements could significantly contribute to Avalanche's ultimate goal of practical fusion power. The underlying physics of their technology is relevant to the direct energy conversion process of energetic particles generated in fusion reactions. This project is set to refine microstructural designs that will first handle alpha particles from radioisotopes and eventually aim towards supporting energy conversion from fusion-derived particles.

Robin Langtry, co-founder and CEO of Avalanche Energy, expressed the importance of this milestone: "The DARPA contract represents a critical milestone in our path to practical fusion power. The direct energy conversion technologies we're developing under Rads to Watts will be essential for extracting power from fusion reactions efficiently. We are building the capabilities today that will enable tomorrow's fusion systems to deliver reliable, portable energy for defense, space, and commercial applications."

Strengthening the Supply Chain for Fusion

The DARPA contract facilitates not only technological development but also enhances the market demand for high-power radioisotopes. The fusion machines that generate these alpha particles will also produce high-energy neutrons, which can create relevant radioisotopes. This integral supply technology cycle bolsters Avalanche's fundamental fusion platform.

Collaborative Efforts for Defense and Space Solutions

Avalanche Energy will collaborate with a consortium that includes the University of Utah, Caltech, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and McQuaide Microsystems. This team aims to provide a near-term solution that also progresses towards Avalanche's long-term objective of compact and manufacturable fusion systems. These systems are envisioned to power various applications, from military to commercial operations and even space exploration.

Growing Support for Modular Fusion Technology

The DARPA contract exemplifies the rising recognition and support for Avalanche's modular fusion technology. Earlier this year, the company secured $29 million in funding and a $1.25 million contract from the Air Force's innovation division, AFWERX, aimed at developing materials for extreme conditions.

Avalanche's design presents a promising answer to the energy needs of numerous defense and commercial applications, including:

• - Remote military installations
• - Space propulsion and power solutions
• - Underwater autonomous vehicles
• - Data centers and remote areas requiring resilient, carbon-free power

About Avalanche Energy

Based in Seattle, Washington, Avalanche Energy is a venture-capital-backed startup pioneering innovations in fusion energy. Their modular design approach enhances power applications while ensuring an exceptional energy density. This strategy allows for rapid design iterations, propelling faster development and scalability across a variety of critical uses. For more information, visit avalanchefusion.com.