06 Jun Federal grants to 2 Wisconsin startups highlight UW’s leading role in fusion energy
Realta Fusion is developing fusion technology that uses a magnetic mirror to control plasma. Its design is based on an experimental device developed at UW–Madison, pictured here. Realta Fusion
A pair of startups with University of Wisconsin–Madison roots have received large federal grants to support their efforts to develop clean energy through fusion.
Realta Fusion and Type One Energy Group, both based in the Madison area, were two of eight ventures from across the nation that the U.S. Department of Energy selected for grants worth millions of dollars to support research and development of fusion energy technologies. Earth-based fusion energy, which seeks to mimic the nuclear fusion that powers the stars, could someday provide a source of clean, safe and virtually limitless power and heat.
One-quarter of the companies chosen for this federal investment are based in Wisconsin, reflecting UW–Madison’s leading role in fusion research to generate renewable and reliable energy as the United States strives to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
“UW–Madison is creating valuable partnerships in this potentially transformative option for meeting the energy needs of future generations,” says Amy Wendt, associate vice chancellor for research in the physical sciences. “With growth in innovative public-private partnerships for fusion research, we are looking forward to building on UW’s strong history and growing global leadership in the science and technology that will enable the realization of fusion power.”