Slashing CO2Plasma-free fusion.
Big Picture
The science of muon-catalyzed fusion was discovered in the 1950s. But researchers abandoned it, as fusion tech wasn’t powerful or efficient enough to wrangle muons – subatomic particles with a mere 2.2 microsecond lifespan. Today, particle accelerators have advanced to where achieving fusion that doesn’t require 150-million-degree plasma – and would be some of the lowest-cost, highest-yield fusion out there – could finally be possible.
How it Works
Acceleron has devised an approach to lower the cost and increase the efficiency of muon-catalyzed fusion. They couple a novel way of making muons – smashing other subatomic particles together – with an extraction method that uses electrically charged plates, dramatically reducing the energy needed per particle produced. With these cheaper muons, Acceleron can achieve fusion net gain at costs that work for commercial-scale electricity production.
Unfair Advantage
Acceleron’s innovations are a first for muon-catalyzed fusion. If successful, they will unlock a form of fusion that can achieve $0.01-$0.10/kWh electricity prices – something that as of yet no fusion company can claim. Acceleron has also built strong relationships with the Paul Scherrer Institute – a world-class muon science center in Switzerland – and Brookhaven National Laboratory to execute on their plans over the next five years.
10
Gigatons CO₂e
potentially avoided by 2050
ANA KNAIAN CEO & CO-FOUNDER
As co-founder, principal engineer & partner at NK Labs, Ara led research and product development. He holds a PhD from MIT on electrodynamics and energy systems.
SETH NEWBURG PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Seth led applied research and product development as a co-founder & managing partner at NK Labs. He has a PhD from Boston University in biomedical engineering.
Muon Catalyzed Fusion: Introduction, progress toward high-density yield measurements, and application prospects
Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT