A new report from Photonics21, led by French market intelligence firm Tematys, looks at the importance of photonics in realising fusion energy. Could this be a promising solution for clean power?
Titled “Photonics for the Energy Production Market: Focus on Fusion Energy,” the report shows how advanced light technologies are important in advancing fusion power, which mimics the sun’s energy generation process.
Creating fusion energy
Fusion energy involves merging light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, this process occurs at temperatures of around 100 million degrees Celsius.
However nuclear fission relies on finite resources and generates long-lasting radioactive waste, fusion offers a nearly unlimited energy source with minimal environmental impact. However, achieving this has always been seen as a complex scientific challenge.
Fusion reactors
The report shows that photonics, the science of generating and using light, plays a key role in developing the precise components necessary for fusion reactors.
Powerful lasers, crucial to initiating fusion reactions, compress and heat fuel pellets to simulate stellar conditions.
Photonic technologies are also crucial for monitoring and controlling the extreme environments within fusion plants, making sure the is stability and efficiency in the fusion process.
Improving the efficiency of fusion energy systems
The report also shows innovative companies like Renaissance Fusion, a French startup that recently raised €16.4 million to develop stellarator reactors using cutting-edge photonics techniques. By using lasers to accurately shape superconducting coils, Renaissance Fusion demonstrates how photonics can streamline manufacturing processes and improve the efficiency of fusion energy systems.
The wider impact of the photonics industry is also noteworthy. Facilities like France’s Laser Megajoule are not only advancing fusion research but also promoting a strong ecosystem that creates thousands of jobs and stimulates technological advancements across various sectors.
As more sustainable energy solutions become in demand, these findings show that photonics is not just a tool but an important enabler of the fusion revolution.
