Tractebel supports First Light Fusion in making inertial fusion a reality

Our engineers and multidisciplinary experts from the UK and the European Union will support First Light Fusion (FLF), the world’s leading inertial fusion start-up, to jointly design the Machine 4 (M4) demonstrator and facility. Tractebel will leverage its international expertise in fusion to help deliver M4 by the scheduled completion date.

World’s largest pulsed power driver and facility

M4 is a research and experimental facility, which First Light will use to demonstrate Net Energy Gain – the process of getting more energy out of fusion than is required to create it. Once operational, M4 will be the largest pulsed power driver in the world, at approximately 75 metres in diameter. In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility in the US became the first to demonstrate Gain. It did this through inertial confinement fusion, the same method as First Light, but using a laser to power the experiment rather than a projectile.

Signing ceremony (from left to right): Andrea Carletto, Head of Nuclear UK (Tractebel), Denis Dumont, Chief Global Nuclear Officer (Tractebel), Dr Nick Hawker, Founder & CEO of First Light Fusion (First Light Fusion), Qasim Kapasi, Business Developer UK (Tractebel), David Bryon, Chief Financial Officer (First Light Fusion).

World’s first projectile fusion technology

First Light’s new fusion approach, projectile fusion, is a branch of inertial confinement fusion, which occurs by compressing and heating fusion fuel. Projectile fusion is an innovative method for producing fusion energy which is simpler, cheaper, lower-risk and more energy efficient. It works by launching a projectile into a target containing the fusion fuel. The projectile impacts the target which amplifies the energy of the projectile, imploding the fuel to the temperatures and densities needed for fusion. This unique targeting technology delivers a much higher pressure to the fuel.

Cross-section of the 75-meter (diameter) M4, the world’s largest pulsed power driver. Image © First Light Fusion

FLF has been working to make large-scale fusion energy a reality since 2011. In 2021, the United Kingdom launched a fusion strategy to drive long-term economic growth by developing technology and skills. Fusion energy can provide a commercial-scale, low-carbon energy source based on the same principle that powers our sun and stars. It has the potential to provide ‘baseload’ power, complementing renewable and other sustainable energy sources. Tractebel’s partnership with FLF on the M4 driver and facility will contribute to making commercial fusion energy on a global scale a reality.

		"With this contract, Tractebel re-affirms its commitment to support the UK nuclear industry, fission and fusion, and help meet the UK’s ambition to be net zero by 2050. Thanks to our presence in Bristol with the Hinkley Point C project, Tractebel contributes even further to nuclear new build in the country. Our UK team has been growing to assist UK nuclear stakeholders jointly with our experts based in France and Belgium. Thanks to our internationally recognized nuclear experience, we are able to provide innovative solutions to the most challenging projects. We look forward to developing our relationship with First Light Fusion."
Denis Dumont, Chief Global Nuclear Officer, Tractebel

“The design and development of Machine 4 at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s site in Culham is well underway as we aim for completion in 2024. We are delighted to be working with Tractebel through this critical phase, leveraging their unrivaled expertise in major fusion infrastructure projects, including ITER in France,”
		Dr Nick Hawker, Founder & CEO of First Light Fusion

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