About
Fusion Energy
Fusion energy is what gives the stars their seemingly limitless power.
A single fusion reaction between deuterium (D) and tritium (T) releases 17.6 MeV of energy, which is an enormous amount when added up over time.
Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, and tritium can be self-multiplied, giving it geopolitical advantages of securing fuel domestically. Because no greenhouse gas is contained in the fuel or exhaust, it also contributes to a carbon-neutral society.
Since fusion energy does not produce high concentrations of radioactive waste, there is optimism for its development as a permanent next-generation energy source.
Specification of FAST
FAST is a low aspect-ratio tokamak with HTS coils, making it a compact, economical Fusion Pilot Plant. This design will have the following specifications, which will inform the development tests necessary for early deployment.
50-100 MW
D-T fusion reaction
300 – 1,000 kW/m²
Neutron wall loading
Approximately 1000 seconds
Discharge Duration
Approximately 1000 hours
Cumulative full-power operation time
Realizing fusion energy
FAST
FAST (Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) accelerates the path to a clean energy future by demonstrating fusion electricity generation in the 2030s.*
Start
*Demonstration of electricity generation: Heat extracted from the blanket is used to produce 10 MW of electricity (enough for 20,000 households) using a generator. Approximately 2,500 kWh can be produced in 15 minutes.
Tokamaks have a large experimental database for scaling laws
Tokamaks have been under development since the 1950s, and many experiments and simulations on tokamaks have been completed since then. These studies have given way to the derivation of scaling laws, which can be used to inform larger fusion plants.
FAST will complement other tokamak experiments
The information we obtain from FAST will go hand-in-hand with other tokamak experiments, such as ITER and DEMO. This synergy will help to propel the tokamak concept forward.
Achieving fusion plasmas from tokamaks is promising and within reach
FAST aims to achieve a net energy gain, or Q>1, from the plasma. Based on past experiments, which have already shown Q=0.7, tokamaks are the safest and fastest path forward to realize this among other magnetic confinement methods.
Why a Tokamak?
FAST seeks to comprehensively solve the various technical challenges (gaps) necessary to transition fusion energy from the experimental stage to a fully functional energy system.
FAST includes achieving a sustained burning plasma, extracting and converting energy, demonstrating a tritium fuel cycle, and ensuring system integration and safety.
What is FAST?
FAST is the world's first initiative to extract fusion energy from a plasma while integratively demonstrating plasma sustainment and addressing engineering challenges. The project aims to achieve the demonstration of fusion energy power generation by the 2030s.
About FAST
Compact and economical
By choosing to use the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils and selecting the low aspect ratio tokamak, it becomes possible to generate high-pressure plasmas in a compact size compared to more conventional, larger tokamaks. Reducing the device size also helps to lower manufacturing times and costs.
Incorporation of new technologies
This device will operate using novel technologies such as HTS coils, new low-activation materials, and deuterium production from seawater. FAST will be carried out in collaboration with a wide range of partners in the public and private sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Built with the Community
FAST will be built at a location selected after a public call for domestic implementation sites. In cooperation with the local community, we will advance future-oriented energy development and facilitate new academic breakthroughs.
Ripple effects
FAST is an apparatus designed to conduct comprehensive technical testing related to fusion plasmas and energy generation. It will contribute not only to the development of prototypes in Japan, but also to the safe and accelerated advancement of various fusion approaches around the world.
Schedule
FAST aims to demonstrate electricity generation by fusion in the 2030s.
Organization
FAST is a private-sector-led industry-academia collaboration, developed in cooperation with fusion experts from Japan and abroad.
A researcher-led team will be organized to handle design, planning, and operation, advancing the project in collaboration with both domestic and international researchers specializing in plasma physics and fusion reactor engineering.
To carry out the project, led by Starlight Engine, we will collaborate with industry partners—including real estate, construction, and trading companies as well as EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) manufacturers such as Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd., Mitsui & Co., Mitsui Fudosan, Mitsubishi Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Kajima Corporation, Fujikura Ltd., and Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. - along with international partners from the US, UK, and Canada.
University of Tokyo
Professor Akira Ejiri
Tohoku University
Professor Kenji Tobita
Tohoku University
Professor Yuji Hatano
University of Tokyo
Professor Yasushi Ono
Institute of Science Tokyo
Associate Professor Hiroaki Tsutsui
Nagoya University
Professor Takaaki Fujita
Kyoto University
Professor Hitoshi Tanaka
Kyushu University
Professor Kazuaki Hanada
Kyoto Fusioneering Co., Ltd.
Professor Satoshi Konishi
Tokamak Energy
Professor Yuichi Takase
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Dr. Masayuki Ono
General Atomics
Dr. Brian Grierson
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Dr. Sam Suppiah
Fusion Fuel Cycles
Dr. Ian Castillo
Key Researchers Involved
Contact Us
Starlight Engine Ltd: company@sle.energy