Tokamak Energy, a British company aiming to commercially generate electricity using fusion energy, has announced the plans for its advanced prototype, ST80-HTS, which will be the world’s first high-field spherical tokamak using high-temperature superconducting magnets, at scale. 

The T80-HTS, which is planned to be completed by 2026, will demonstrate the multiple advanced technologies required for the delivery of commercial fusion, the key operating advantages of the spherical tokamak, and inform the design of the ST-E1 fusion pilot plant. This plant will then demonstrate the capability to produce up to 200 MW of net electrical power and deliver electricity to the grid in the early 2030s.

Furthermore, the ST80-HTS will achieve a higher sustained triple product, a widely recognized fusion industry measure of plasma density, temperature, and confinement,  than any previous fusion device. Thus, approaching the level required for commercial fusion energy.  

The ST80-HTS will also push the boundaries of fusion conditions in a compact spherical tokamak, with ~15-minute pulse control of the plasma. Comparatively, existing devices have only shown strong triple product results achieved for a second or less, with performance quickly diminishing as pulse duration increases. 

Analyst QuickTake: Recently, in October 2022, Tokamak signed a five-year framework agreement with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to collaborate on the development of spherical tokamaks. Under this agreement, the two companies will carry out joint technology development in areas such as materials development and testing, power generation, fuel cycle, diagnostics, and remote handling.