Expanded team accelerates transition to integrated prototype program
Clean energy leader General Fusion is enhancing the company’s design engineering capabilities and strategic partnerships with new leadership from veteran energy industry experts. The move comes as the company begins to transition its systems-level development activities into the development of a proof-of-concept fusion prototype machine.
David Kanuch and Matt Miles will join the company in executive roles to oversee engineering design and systems integration activities, together with strengthening crucial industry stakeholder relationships. They will play critical roles in General Fusion’s program to develop, construct, and operate the new facility.
“The expertise in structuring and managing complex, innovative energy projects that these gentlemen bring to General Fusion will complement the outstanding skills the company already has and help make this project a success,” said General Fusion CEO Christofer Mowry.
Mr. Kanuch will be responsible for overseeing the formal design engineering process for the new facility, drawing on 30 years of experience in managing projects, site modifications, engineering, design, and test programs across nuclear and oil and gas industries. Formerly Director of Design Engineering Optimization for Babcock and Wilcox’s (B&W) Generation mPower advanced reactor, Mr. Kanuch has firsthand experience working on first-of-a-kind engineering projects.
Mr. Miles has also previously held roles at B&W, directing international business development and strategic marketing for the energy multinational across industrial, environmental and nuclear divisions. Projects included siting options for Generation mPower, as well as the development of corporate strategy targeting U.S. energy markets, supporting more than $1 billion in annual revenue.
“General Fusion has a potentially game-changing technology with an immense opportunity to complement existing clean energy sources and enable a truly viable zero-emission grid,” said Mr. Miles. “I’m excited to be leading the formation of new industry partnerships that will drive the maturation of the company’s technology. It’s great to be part of this outstanding team and its incredible mission.”
The appointment of Mr. Kanuch and Mr. Miles will support General Fusion’s goal of developing the world’s first commercially viable fusion power plant. Major advances in the company’s plasma fuel technology in March 2017 overcame key technical challenges, opening the way for development of an integrated prototype machine combining all aspects of the company’s fusion technology.
Fusion energy has the potential to provide safe, carbon-free electricity, on demand, anywhere in the world. A commercially viable fusion power plant could play a vital role in meeting growing energy demand, which is expected to double over the next 30 years, while at the same time tackling climate change.
