Robin Langtry is confident that Avalanche Energy has reached a significant milestone in the world of technology. The startup recently achieved a breakthrough by operating its desktop fusion machine for hours on end while maintaining 300,000 volts. This achievement positions Avalanche to potentially build a reactor capable of generating more energy than it consumes, a goal that has long been sought after in the field of fusion energy.
Avalanche Energy has taken a unique approach to fusion technology, utilizing intense electrical currents rather than powerful magnets to draw fast-moving ions into tight orbits around an electrode. As these ions collide and fuse at high densities and speeds, energy is released in the process. This innovative design has allowed the company to reach voltage levels of 6 million volts per meter, a key factor in their quest for efficient energy generation.
Langtry emphasized the importance of achieving high voltages in their small reactors, ranging from 5 kilowatts to several hundred kilowatts. This focus on voltage density is expected to enable Avalanche to produce a large number of neutrons at a low cost, which can be utilized for various applications such as creating radioisotopes and evaluating materials for fusion reactors.
To further their research and development efforts, Avalanche Energy secured a $10 million grant from Washington State to establish FusionWERX, a testing facility open to other fusion companies and researchers. This facility will serve as a hub for studying different fusion technologies, with the goal of advancing the field as a whole. The grant, funded by the state’s carbon marketplace, allows participants to retain full ownership of their intellectual property after testing their hardware.
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With the potential for revenue generation on the horizon and having achieved the 300,000-volt milestone, Avalanche Energy is reportedly in the process of raising a Series A round of funding. Langtry remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the fundraising activities but indicated that the company is working towards meeting the financial requirements of the Washington State grant. Securing funding for the launch of FusionWERX is currently a top priority for the company, with Langtry expressing confidence in their ability to secure the necessary resources for their future endeavors.
