Lower Saxony, Germany Plans to Build Europe's First Large-Scale Fusion-Grade High-Temperature Superconducting Tape Plant

Proxima Fusion and the Lower Saxony state government of Germany signed a memorandum of understanding in Hanover on September 9, planning to build Europe's first large-scale fusion-grade high-temperature superconducting tape production facility in the state, laying the foundation for large-scale industrial production of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape.

According to the plan, the first two phases of the project involve an investment of approximately 140 million euros, with public funds and private capital each covering about half. Of this, Lower Saxony plans to contribute 21 million euros, accounting for nearly 30% of the public funding portion. The first two phases of construction are expected to be completed by the end of 2029.

High-temperature superconducting tape is a type of metal tape that exhibits superconducting properties at relatively higher temperatures. In the superconducting state, it can transmit current with nearly zero resistive loss and is used to manufacture high-power, compact electromagnets. For stellarator fusion devices, magnets made from high-temperature superconducting tape can generate the magnetic fields needed to confine and control high-temperature plasma, making them an important foundational material for achieving compact fusion devices and future fusion power plants.

The facility will serve the Alpha fusion demonstration device being advanced by Proxima Fusion, the planned Stellaris fusion power plant, and provide industrial support for subsequent large-scale stellarator production. According to current estimates, the Alpha project requires approximately 20,000 kilometers of high-temperature superconducting tape, and the Stellaris project will require approximately another 40,000 kilometers.

Currently, industrial production of high-temperature superconducting thin films and related tapes is mainly concentrated in Asia. Proxima Fusion stated that if Europe hopes to establish a relatively complete stellarator supply chain, localized high-temperature superconducting tape manufacturing capability is of strategic significance. The new plant will integrate resources including materials, production processes, quality assurance, skilled workers, and suppliers, reduce dependence on overseas suppliers, and provide a materials foundation for power grids, medical imaging and treatment, advanced propulsion systems, and other high-field magnet technologies.

Proxima Fusion is in discussions with multiple international technology partners to introduce mature high-temperature superconducting manufacturing technology and production capacity to Lower Saxony. The company also stated that more than 50 companies in Europe have already participated in building the fusion energy industrial supply chain through the Alpha Alliance, and high-temperature superconducting tape production will fill one of the key upstream capabilities.

Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies stated that the state hopes to become a pioneer in Europe's high-temperature superconducting manufacturing sector and thereby develop advanced manufacturing and create high-skilled jobs. Proxima Fusion co-founder and CEO Francesco Sciortino stated that the Alpha and Stellaris projects will create demand traction for localized production and drive the development of related manufacturing technologies.

According to the memorandum of understanding, both parties will evaluate potential sites within Lower Saxony, establish milestone-based support and funding arrangements, promote approval processes, and cooperate with local enterprises, municipal institutions, and research institutions.