Focused Energy and Amplitude Forge $40 Million Agreement for Advanced Laser Development

Strategic Collaboration in Laser Fusion

Focused Energy, a frontrunner in advancing commercially viable fusion energy, has announced a significant partnership with Amplitude, the premier global expert in ultrafast lasers. The collaboration revolves around a $40 million agreement aimed at developing cutting-edge laser systems that will push the boundaries of inertial fusion energy technologies.

The Future of Clean Energy

In what marks a pivotal step towards commercial fusion energy, this partnership will leverage innovative laser technologies to produce and optimize parameters crucial for the success of Focused Energy’s direct drive laser fusion method. The new systems will be set up at Focused Energy’s Laser Development Facility located in the San Francisco Bay Area, a site earmarked for extensive research and development activities— boasting an impressive $65 million investment.

Optimizing Laser Performance

Equipped with kilo-joule class lasers, Focused Energy's scientists will conduct tests that will enhance the efficiency of deuterium-tritium fusion fuel targets—essential components for future clean energy production. Capable of firing at an enhanced rate of one shot every 60 seconds, these laser systems promise swift iterations in design, enabling quicker progress in the pursuit of fusion.

Scott Mercer, the CEO of Focused Energy, commented on this opportunity: "This is a landmark moment on our path to commercial laser fusion, building off the National Ignition Facility's groundbreaking work two years ago. These laser systems will serve as the foundation for the modular laser arrays necessary for launching a fusion pilot plant, which aims to supply clean, reliable energy to the grid."

A Shared Vision of Innovation

This groundbreaking endeavor is supported by the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations in Germany (SPRIND), highlighting the international collaboration necessary for advancing fusion energy technologies. Amplitude's CEO, Damien Buet, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are thrilled to push the boundaries of our advanced laser technologies and contribute to this monumental project. Our decade of bold technological innovations will help pave the way for a sustainable energy future."

Rafael Laguna de la Vera, Director of SPRIND, emphasized the necessity of international collaboration in achieving success in fusion innovations, explaining, "Fusion is one of the most significant breakthroughs on the horizon, and overcoming technological challenges will require collective efforts."

Focused Energy’s Path to Fusion

Focused Energy is dedicated to developing commercially viable fusion with expert scientific and engineering teams. Their approach focuses on compressing and igniting millimeter-scale deuterium/tritium fusion targets. Furthermore, their facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area and Darmstadt, Germany, are essential components of their strategic plan to optimize laser and target technology ahead of building a full-scale fusion pilot plant.

Once operational, Focused Energy estimates that a compact amount of their deuterium/tritium fusion fuel could power a city the size of San Francisco for an entire day.

Achievements and Future Prospects

Following a historic breakthrough in 2022 at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, where energy gain was achieved through an indirect laser fusion technique, Focused Energy continues to build on this momentum. Selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, they have already made substantial advancements in fuel target designs and optimized methods for igniting fusion fuel.

The company has successfully raised over $175 million in capital to date, including partnerships that enhance their research initiatives. The collaboration with Amplitude is a further step towards establishing a global supply chain needed for developing and commercializing laser fusion technologies.

Conclusion

Focused Energy’s ongoing journey in the realm of laser-driven fusion is not only a testament to innovative engineering but also a crucial investment in the future of sustainable energy. With clean, limitless energy on the horizon, this partnership with Amplitude sets the stage for revolutionary advancements in the energy sector, promising a future where fusion power is a viable and green alternative for cities globally.