Zap Energy, a fusion energy startup, has unveiled Century, a prototype fusion device that operates at 100 KW of input power. The company claims Century to be the world's first 100-kilowatt-scale repetitive Z-pinch system.

The fusion reactor utilizes a sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch method, which doesn't require magnets, cryogenics, or high-power lasers. Century is designed to simulate plant-like operation by firing high-voltage pulses every ten seconds for over two hours. It can initially circulate 70 kg of hot liquid bismuth, with plans to handle over a ton in its final configuration. The facility also tests strategies to mitigate electrode damage from extreme heat and neutron flux.

Analyst QuickTake : As of October 2024, fusion energy is not yet commercially viable. The industry is making progress but remains in the R&D phase. Startups like Marvel Fusion , General Fusion , and Helion Energy are actively developing fusion energy solutions. Marvel is building a demonstration plant and General Fusion is advancing its Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology. Meanwhile, Helion Energy received a fusion energy safety license for Polaris, its seventh-generation fusion machine designed to demonstrate electricity production.