EX-Fusion Inc. (EX-Fusion) is a startup originating from Osaka University that aims to realize Japan’s only commercial laser fusion reactor (a reactor for commercial power generation). Laser fusion is a method of power generation that uses the pressure of lasers, firing powerful lasers at deuterium and tritium fuel to create fusion reactions. Safe, clean fusion technology is now attracting worldwide attention as clean energy for achieving a decarbonized society.
A new energy source for a sustainable society
The Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University, where we originated, has led the world in laser technology research for half a century. The development of commercial power reactors using laser fusion is attracting worldwide attention as sustainable energy, and as pioneers, we work on research and development every day.
Fusion energy is clean energy that emits no CO2, and laser fusion in particular is said to have high potential for industrial applications. Its fuel is abundant in seawater, so there is no problem of resource depletion, and it is also safe and highly reliable. Fusion reactions occur between deuterium and tritium, but the reaction does not happen unless pressure is applied from outside, so the mechanism differs from nuclear power (fission).
Also, because there is no need to remove fuel during the reaction process, it produces almost no high-level radioactive waste, so-called “nuclear waste.” The old parts that come out during equipment maintenance every few years have low radiation levels and a half-life of about 12 years. Over a span of a hundred years, they become almost harmless.
In this way, fusion technology is highly safe on three points, “it cannot run out of control in principle,” “it does not handle high-level radioactive materials,” and “it produces almost no waste,” and can be called a power generation method suited to earthquake-prone Japan.
At EX-Fusion, believing that fusion will be a necessary energy source for achieving a sustainable society, we are conducting research and development with the goals of completing technology demonstration by 2029 and realizing a fusion demonstration reactor by 2035.
Making Japan a country that leads the world in clean energy
Safety is not the only advantage of fusion energy. It also has the following advantages.
1: Clean energy that emits no CO2
The only products are helium and neutrons, which are harmless to people and the planet.
2: The fuel comes from seawater
Deuterium and tritium, the fuels for fusion, can be obtained from seawater in virtually unlimited amounts, so there is no worry about running out, and even a resource-poor country like Japan can be self-sufficient in energy. Friction between countries over resources should also become less likely. It could be called a technology that also contributes to world peace.
3: Supply does not depend on the environment
Unlike natural energy such as solar and wind power, the energy supply does not depend on weather conditions.
4: Building a stable foundation for society
The price of fusion energy is unlikely to fluctuate, so household and industrial electricity rates are stable, and as a result, prices in general are stable too. Stable energy prices lead to a stable foundation for society.
World energy consumption is said to keep increasing. Energy is now an important global issue, and no single company can solve it.
Putting it into practical use requires cooperation and partnerships with many companies in Japan and abroad, such as power companies and equipment makers. Legislation is also needed. We want to accelerate further toward making it a reality, so that Japan can lead the world as a producer of clean energy.
Further possibilities for fusion and laser technology
I researched laser fusion at Osaka University and then went to the United States as a researcher. That was when I began to want to realize a commercial reactor. I thought, “To do that, working on it as a private company would be effective, and if I start a company, it should be based at Osaka University, renowned for laser research.”
The world is now moving toward a decarbonized society, and demand for commercial fusion reactors is growing. In this global trend, we are proud to have founded the company in Osaka as Japan’s only private company with the mission of developing a commercial fusion reactor.
The name EX-Fusion carries three missions. The first is “EXTRACT” (extracting energy): creating energy by realizing a commercial fusion reactor. This is definitely moving forward. The second is “EXPLORE” (exploring technology): deploying lasers, a highly versatile technology, across various industries while earning enough revenue to support our research. The third is “EXPAND” (expanding possibilities): not stopping at power generation with fusion, but exploring further possibilities such as space development technology and lightning guidance technology.
We are often asked, “When will it be put into practical use?” As mentioned above, we have set goals for development, but we cannot know for certain. In that sense, our immediate goal is to build a system that generates revenue from laser technology and firmly supports research and development of the commercial reactor.
We have received support from many people so far, and to live up to their expectations, we want to work on research and development with even more speed, in cooperation with universities and companies.
How We Used OIH
We were selected for the Kansai startup incubation program “KIDOU.” By taking part in Kansai’s leading startup program, we became known to many people, including those in industry and business, other universities, and local governments, and gained attention and expectations. Going forward, we want to move toward the goal of “an Osaka-born company leading the world’s energy issues.”
Interview date: September 1, 2023
(Interview and text: Aya Iwamura)