Google Invests in TAE Technologies' Fusion Power Future
TAE Technologies has secured $150 million in its latest funding round, with continued support from Google, Chevron, and New Enterprise Associates. This marks the 12th round of investment for the nearly 30-year-old company, bringing its total funding to approximately $1.8 billion.
Advancing Fusion Power with AI
TAE Technologies, formerly Tri Alpha Energy, has been developing its unique fusion reactor design. The company's approach uses particle beams to heat and stabilize plasma, eliminating the need for complex equipment and streamlining reactor operation. This advancement reduces the reactor's size and cost, making commercial fusion energy more attainable.
Google's involvement with TAE Technologies extends beyond financial investment. Since 2014, Google's computer scientists have collaborated with TAE engineers, leveraging machine learning to optimize the fusion device's settings. This AI-driven approach significantly accelerates the optimization process, reducing experiment time from months to hours.
TAE Technologies' current reactor achieves plasma temperatures of 70 million degrees Celsius. The company aims to reach 1 billion degrees Celsius, the temperature required for its commercial device. With plans to connect to the power grid in the early 2030s, TAE Technologies continues to push the boundaries of fusion power development.
CEO Michl Binderbauer stated his intention to raise an additional $50 million before the funding round closes later this summer. This continued investment underscores the growing interest and confidence in TAE Technologies' innovative approach to fusion energy.
This latest funding round signifies a crucial step towards realizing the potential of fusion power as a clean and sustainable energy source. With the support of prominent investors like Google, TAE Technologies is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of energy.
