● Covered by 1 source · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Commonwealth Fusion Systems receives $85M CHIPS Act award for fusion power semiconductors
Key points
- CFS received $85M from U.S. CHIPS Act.
- Funding targets fusion-ready semiconductors.
- Develops silicon carbide power electronics.
- Advances radio-frequency generators and AI hardware.
- Aims to accelerate fusion energy and U.S. chip supply.
- Helion received $175M from U.S. CHIPS Act.
- Helion and CFS granted the government non-voting shares.
CHIPS Act Funding for Fusion Technology
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced it has been awarded $85 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This funding, provided through the CHIPS Act, is designated for the development of advanced semiconductors specifically for the fusion power industry. The award also grants the U.S. government a stake in CFS.
Addressing Commercialization Challenges
Fusion power startups are working to demonstrate their first reactors, with CFS planning to activate its Sparc reactor next year. However, scaling up to dozens of commercial power plants requires more robust power electronics and a resilient supply chain. The CHIPS Act award aims to boost research, development, and manufacturing capacity for these critical components within the U.S.
Key Development Initiatives
The $85 million award will support five distinct initiatives at CFS. A primary focus is the advancement of silicon carbide power electronics, which are essential for managing high voltages in fusion machines and other applications. These semiconductors drive the superconducting magnets that confine plasma within a reactor.
Next-Generation Components and AI Integration
CFS will also use the funding to develop next-generation radio-frequency power generators, used for heating fusion fuel. Additionally, the company plans to create advanced electronics that enable faster reactor control and are hardened against radiation, which could extend component lifespan and reduce operating costs. Finally, part of the award will adapt AI hardware, such as GPUs and TPUs, for use in power plants.
Impact on Fusion Energy and Supply Chain
According to Brandon Sorbom, co-founder and chief science officer at CFS, this funding will contribute to more capable and economical fusion power plants. It is also expected to strengthen the U.S. supply chain for chips and power electronics, simultaneously accelerating fusion energy's progress toward integration with the electrical grid.
Updates
- Helion received $175M from U.S. CHIPS Act.
- Helion and CFS granted the government non-voting shares.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Helion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) received a combined $260 million from the Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act to develop advanced semiconductors for fusion reactors. These awards include a new condition where the companies grant the government non-voting shares, marking a shift in government funding models for the fusion industry.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) secured an $85 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS Act to develop advanced semiconductors for the fusion power industry. This funding will support R&D and manufacturing of durable power electronics, radio-frequency generators, radiation-hardened electronics, and AI hardware for fusion reactors, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy and strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.