the real reason google deepmind is working with a fusion energy startup

Commonwealth Fusion Systems and DeepMind Collaborate on AI-Powered Fusion Reactor

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), an energy startup, announced on Thursday a partnership with Google’s DeepMind division. This collaboration focuses on refining and enhancing the operational capabilities of CFS’s upcoming Sparc reactor through the application of artificial intelligence.

Simulating Plasma Behavior with DeepMind’s Torax

The core of this initiative involves simulating the plasma that will fuel CFS’s reactor. This will be achieved using Torax, a specialized software developed by DeepMind. Furthermore, the companies intend to integrate Torax with advanced AI models.

The goal is to assist CFS in determining the optimal strategies for achieving sustainable fusion power.

The Promise of Fusion and AI’s Role

Fusion power holds the potential to generate substantial electricity with zero emissions, utilizing a virtually inexhaustible fuel source: water. Companies specializing in AI have demonstrated significant interest in fusion startups.

This is largely due to the potential for these startups to provide electricity for energy-intensive facilities like data centers. Google is also considering them as prospective customers.

Google’s Prior Involvement in Fusion Research

This isn’t Google’s initial engagement with nuclear fusion. The technology company has previously collaborated with TAE Technologies, another fusion startup, employing AI to analyze plasma behavior within their fusion machine.

The recurring nature of Google’s involvement highlights the unique suitability of AI for overcoming the challenges inherent in achieving fusion power.

The Challenge of Plasma Confinement

A primary obstacle for fusion startups is maintaining the plasma within a reactor at sufficiently high temperatures for a prolonged duration. Unlike nuclear fission, which is self-sustaining, fusion reactions are difficult to sustain outside of stellar environments.

Without the immense mass and gravitational forces of stars, plasma is prone to instability and can extinguish the fusion reaction.

Utilizing Magnets and AI for Plasma Control

In CFS’s reactors, powerful magnets are employed to mimic the effects of gravity, helping to contain the plasma. However, these magnets are not flawless.

Reactor operators require sophisticated control software capable of continuously adapting to fluctuating plasma conditions. The complexity of managing these conditions, with numerous variables, exceeds human capacity.

This is precisely the type of problem where AI excels, and experts recognize it as a key enabler of recent advancements in the fusion industry.

Sparc Reactor Development and Predictions

CFS is currently constructing the Sparc demonstration reactor in a Boston suburb. The project is approximately two-thirds complete.

Upon completion, anticipated in late 2026, the startup projects that Sparc will be the first fusion device to achieve net energy gain – producing more power than it consumes.

Torax and AI-Driven Reactor Control

Google stated that Torax can be utilized with reinforcement learning or evolutionary search models to identify the “most efficient and robust paths to generating net energy.” The companies are also investigating the potential of AI to directly control reactor operations.

Investment and Power Purchase Agreements

In August, Google participated in CFS’s $863 million Series B2 funding round, alongside Nvidia. Earlier in the year, Google committed to purchasing 200 megawatts of electricity from CFS’s first commercial power plant, Arc.

Arc is planned for construction outside Richmond, Virginia. Google also holds an investment in TAE Technologies, a competitor to CFS.