Our Fusion Technology
What Sets MTF Apart
An Engineering Approach to Fusion
Practical fusion power is not a single breakthrough problem. It is a system challenge where plasma behavior, material durability, compression dynamics, and energy capture must all work together. MTF is designed to bring system-level solutions to these challenges together.
A Practical Path to Commercial Fusion Power
Magnetized Target Fusion, or MTF, is designed as a practical solution to some of the biggest barriers standing between fusion science and commercial fusion power. While many fusion approaches must solve major challenges around material degradation, fuel sourcing, energy capture, and cost, General Fusion’s approach is engineered to address these issues as part of one integrated system.
The secret sauce is the liquid metal wall. In General Fusion’s MTF system, liquid metal protects the machine from neutron damage, produces sufficient tritium fuel for the life of the power plant, and efficiently absorbs fusion energy so it can be converted into heat, creating steam to spin a traditional turbine. By using simple, existing materials, and without requiring superconducting magnets or expensive lasers, MTF offers a practical path toward durable, cost-effective fusion power.
Designed for the Real World from the Get-Go
How Does MTF Protect the Machine from Fusion Damage?
- Approach: When fusion occurs, the reaction is surrounded by a liquid metal wall, which absorbs neutrons emitted from the reaction.
- Result: Protects the machine and supports durability under repeated operation for the life of the plant.
How Does MTF Produce Abundant Fusion Fuel?
- Approach: General Fusion’s system uses the hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium as fusion fuel. Deuterium is widely available and affordably sourced from seawater, but tritium is not naturally occurring. When neutrons are absorbed in the liquid lithium wall, they can create tritium fuel at a ratio greater than 1.5.
- Result: Produces sufficient fusion fuel to support operations for the life of the power plant.
How Does MTF Address the Fusion Energy Capture Challenge?
- Approach: The liquid metal wall absorbs neutrons and heat from fusion. The hot liquid metal is then pumped through a heat exchanger, producing steam for power generation.
- Result: Enables simple energy conversion and creates a significant opportunity to retrofit retired coal-fired power plants.
How does MTF Deliver Economical Fusion Power?
- Approach: Uses simple, existing materials, so there is no need for expensive magnets, targets, lasers, exotic or not-yet-developed materials, or frequent replacement of neutron-damaged components.
- Result: Provides a practical architecture designed for cost-competitive, durable, and efficient power plants.
Go deeper into the data
Explore the peer-reviewed science that demonstrates our MTF approach.
