Avalanche Energy Achieves Fusion Reactor Milestone

The Dawn of Desktop Fusion: Avalanche Energy's Breakthrough

A pivotal moment arrives for every emerging technology, transitioning it from theoretical concept to tangible potential. Robin Langtry posits that Avalanche Energy has now reached this critical juncture.

Recently, Avalanche successfully operated its compact fusion device continuously for several hours, sustaining a voltage of 300,000 volts. This achievement leads the startup to anticipate the construction of a reactor capable of net energy gain – a primary objective for all companies pursuing fusion power.

A Novel Approach to Fusion

Unlike many other fusion initiatives that rely on substantial magnetic fields, Avalanche’s innovative design employs high-intensity electrical currents. These currents compel rapidly moving ions to orbit a central electrode in a confined space.

As the ion density and velocity increase, collisions and subsequent fusion events occur, releasing energy. “Achieving significantly high voltages is the crucial factor,” explained Langtry, co-founder and CEO of Avalanche, in an interview with TechCrunch.

The company’s focus on smaller reactors – with target outputs ranging from 5 kilowatts to several hundred kilowatts – necessitates a high voltage density of 6 million volts per meter. “This represents the key to our progress,” Langtry stated.

Beyond Energy Production

Avalanche anticipates that this level of energy will enable the efficient generation of neutrons at a reduced cost. These neutrons have applications in the production of radioisotopes and the assessment of materials intended for use in fusion reactors.

FusionWERX: A New Testing Ground

The company has been awarded $10 million by Washington State to establish FusionWERX, a dedicated testing facility. This facility will be available for other fusion companies and researchers to evaluate their own technologies.

Funding for this grant originates from revenue generated by the state’s carbon market. “Researchers can test their equipment and retain complete intellectual property rights upon completion,” Langtry clarified.

Path to Profitability and Future Growth

Avalanche projects achieving profitability by 2028 through the sale of radioisotopes and the rental of FusionWERX’s capabilities.

Revenue forecasts for 2029 are estimated between $30 million and $50 million. This financial outlook supports the company’s current trajectory.

Following the successful attainment of the 300,000-volt milestone, rumors suggest Avalanche is preparing to secure a Series B funding round. While Langtry refrained from commenting directly on fundraising activities, he confirmed the company is securing funds to meet the 50% cost-sharing requirement of the Washington State grant.

“We have already secured a substantial portion of the necessary capital,” he noted. Prioritizing funding for FusionWERX is “our primary objective,” he added, “and subsequent developments will naturally follow as construction progresses.”

Note: This article was updated on July 23rd at 5:20 pm ET to reflect that Avalanche is seeking a Series B round, not a Series A.