The Number of Fusion Energy Startups Is Growing

fusionenergybase.com

10 points·vijaycs42··4 comments

I don't really buy into the premise that it's based on materials and technology advancements. Look at the first chart - it's a direct match with the start of historically low interest rates creating an unprecedented easy money environment for investors. To me it's pretty clear this is more of a financially induced situation than a technologically induced one.

Author here. No doubt that low interest rates are driving investment dollars. In my talking with the physicists who are starting these companies low interest rates and funding availability is only part of the equation. What's motivating them to start new companies is strongly influenced by new technologies.

Former fusion startup founder here.

It would have been interesting to note how many (and which, if possible) startups were specifically taking advantage of each item you mentioned. This would make a much stronger case that it is technology driving the expansion rather than money. Obviously, REBCO tape is being used by a few (Commonwealth comes to mind) since better magnets are usable everywhere in magnetic fusion. However, it would be useful if you could point to, for example, a startup that was using engineering decisions from ITER to derive their plasma-facing materials. Of course, if this information is not public-facing, I totally understand why the article is so vague about it.

Regarding the graph, well, it reminded me of an old HN comment I made a while back: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16552007

Tracking the use of different technologies used by companies is a good idea and it’s on the todo list.

As for the materials, yeah I’d like to go deeper there, maybe another article down the road.

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