UKAEA spinout to develop ‘high-power’ microwaves for fusion

A NEW SPINOUT from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has secured £450,000 (US$615,000) to develop high-power microwave technology for commercial fusion.

MuWave will develop the next generation of microwave sources known as gyrotrons, a critical component in fusion reactors. Gyrotrons generate electromagnetic radiation to heat plasma to extreme temperatures, enabling fusion reactions to occur.

Gyrotrons are a bottleneck technology for many fusion designs, with only a handful of companies worldwide capable of manufacturing them at scale.

UKAEA chief executive Heather Lewtas said: “UKAEA is leading the development of fusion energy and – crucially – maximising both the scientific and economic benefit to the UK.

“The world-leading innovation taking place while we solve fusion challenges leads to technology licensing, industry collaborations and spinout companies like MuWave.”

Microwaves

Beyond fusion, microwaves are used in applications ranging from food heating to medical imaging and satellite communications.

In fusion, gyrotrons are required for electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) and electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) which heat plasma and help maintain its stability at temperatures exceeding 100m°C.

ITER plans to deploy nearly 50 gyrotrons and is partnering with the EU’s Fusion for Energy (F4E) and several industrial suppliers to manufacture the systems.

UKAEA proposed improving its microwave technology following testing for its STEP fusion power plant, with MuWave established to commercialise the research for the UK’s fusion programme.

MuWave co-founder Helen Webster said: “Securing our initial funding is a huge milestone for us. It validates the problem we’re solving and the passion behind our solution.”