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.

2026-09-12

Germany's BEST and Luvata Partner to Expand Supply of RRP Superconductors for Fusion

Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies (BEST) of Germany and Luvata Materials & Solutions, part of the Luvata Group, have announced a strategic partnership to expand the industrial supply capacity of high-performance RRP® superconductors for next-generation magnetic confinement fusion power demonstration projects worldwide. According to information released by the two companies, the collaboration will focus on enhancing the industrial readiness and availability of RRP superconductors, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and strengthening supply chain resilience to meet the large-scale demand for superconducting materials in high-field magnetic confinement fusion projects...

2026-09-05

German Chancellor Links High Electricity Prices to Hasty Nuclear Phase-Out

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany's current high electricity prices are partly attributable to the hasty closure of nuclear power plants. He believes that Germany exited nuclear energy without adequate alternative solutions and now has to bear higher costs for subsequent energy supply arrangements. In an interview, Merz said that the closure of Germany's nuclear plants was not his responsibility, and "if it were up to me, I would not have done this." He noted that the decision has already been made, and the current government cannot change the established facts nor provide a legal guarantee for grid electricity prices over the next 15 years. Merz also mentioned that the impact of the Iran conflict is one of the factors driving up electricity prices. In terms of electricity...

2026-08-31

India and Germany's Hesse Explore Clean Energy Cooperation, with Discussions Covering Laser-Based Nuclear Fusion Research

On August 19, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held talks with Boris Rhein, Minister-President of the German state of Hesse, to discuss strengthening economic and technological cooperation between India and Hesse. Manfred Pentz, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Deregulation, along with a German business delegation, attended the meeting. The talks covered several emerging and high-growth sectors, with energy-related discussions focusing on clean energy and future technologies. The two sides discussed Hesse's initiatives in next-generation energy technologies, including laser-based...

2026-08-20

Germany pledges assistance in repairing the damaged reactor containment at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider stated during his visit to Kyiv on August 18 that Germany will assist in repairing the containment structure above the damaged reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Schneider said the containment above the damaged reactor must be repaired. He also noted that this work involves high technical difficulty and complex organizational processes, requiring joint participation and coordinated efforts from the international community. According to the itinerary, Schneider plans to visit the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone during his trip to assess the current status of the relevant facilities and subsequent repair needs. The containment repair work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant involves multiple aspects including nuclear safety, radiation protection, and engineering construction, with further specific implementation arrangements still requiring additional consultation among all parties.

2026-08-19

Marvel Fusion, Colorado, and Siemens Energy Sign Letter of Intent to Advance Laser-Driven Fusion Energy Cooperation

Marvel Fusion, the U.S. State of Colorado, and Siemens Energy announced on August 12 the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening transatlantic cooperation to advance the research, development, and commercialization of laser-driven fusion energy technology. Under the Letter of Intent, the tripartite cooperation will focus on four areas: advancing joint research and development projects, including work utilizing leading fusion research facilities; strengthening the ecosystem connection between the RISE center in Colorado and the VEGA center in Bavaria; promoting transatlantic fusion energy industry and supply chain partnerships; and conducting talent development cooperation. The parties will also establish a joint working group to identify priority projects and plan to organize delegation visits, expert workshops, and initial cooperative activities within the next 12 months.

2026-08-13

German state of Lower Saxony approves production of Russian-designed VVER nuclear fuel at Lingen plant under additional strict conditions

The government of Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany has approved a nuclear project linked to Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The project, operated by French company Framatome, aims to produce Russian-designed nuclear fuel rods and fuel assemblies in the city of Lingen, with key components to be supplied by Rosatom's subsidiary TVEL. Nevertheless, to address potential security risks, particularly threats of espionage and sabotage from Russian participants, the approval was granted with strict conditions. Under the terms of the approval, employees of Rosatom and TVEL will be barred from entering the facility, except in exceptional circumstances and when accompanied by nuclear regulatory authorities. Additionally, all...

2026-07-31