In a facility abroad BordeauxOne of the most prominent technology companies in France revealed an ambitious plan to build what it describes as “Artificial sun.” The project is led by ThousesThe world leading company in the electronics and advanced defense systems, through a newly created subsidiary named Geneva.
On May 15, executives, researchers and public officials gathered to open the project, which aims to develop a Nuclear fusion reactor based on IDP is imprisonment with high -energy laserA long strategy has been studied but not yet widely achieved. with 18.5 million euros In the initial financing of the French government, Geneva Its journey begins with a focused team and a road map that extends for a long time.
Laser feeding reactor
Technology Geneva Follow -up will be known as The merge of the squid with the self -deficiency that is moved by the laser. It involves a strong and synchronous launch Laser pulses In a small goal to press and heat until the atomic cores are merged, and the energy is released into this process. Unlike fission, Fusion does not produce any long -term waste and carries a much lower risk of collapse.
The company plans to harness capabilities Laser Mégajoule (LMJ)An experimental facility managed by Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Committee (CEA). This facility has already served military and research purposes and will be used now to simulate and test fusion conditions. Thales contributed to the main technologies in LMJ, including some of the world’s most powerful in the world Laser systems.
Elite partners and regional support
The voltage is not isolated. Geneva It will cooperate with a network of national research institutions, including CEAthe Polytechnic Schooland National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). the New aquitaine The regional government is also a partner, supports the initiative as part of the broader efforts to put France as a leader in hygiene Energy innovation.
The startup was chosen in February 2024 under a competitive invitation for the Fusion Energy projects launched a year ago. According to the company, these partnerships will provide access to both scientific experience and specialized facilities that will be difficult to repeat independently.
Thales strengthens four decades of laser experience
While many fusion projects around the world follow the techniques of magnetic custody such as those used in Iter reactor, Thouses It takes advantage of its long experience in Laser high -power To take a different path. The company has spent more than 40 years to develop laser components and systems, which contributes to many international projects, including Iter through Electronic tube techniques.
This experience is essential to Jinnv Plan, which depends on laser accurate control and engineering. Over the next few years, engineers will focus on improving laser synchronization and creating materials that are able to withstand harsh conditions inside the melting room.
A road map for the initial model training
Development will continue in three distinct stages. First, by 2027, Geneva It aims to complete Modeling and early stage experiencesIncluding the work conducted in LMJ. After that, the technology maturity stage comes for an eight -year, extending from 2027 to 2035, where researchers improve the materials and designs targeted for fuel and laser timing systems.
The final stage, which is expected to start in mid -2030, is to build a full operation The initial model. Although the specific performance goals are not revealed, the project represents one of the most concrete efforts in France to provide fusion energy using self -deficiency – a field that has witnessed breakthroughs, but also great setbacks around the world.
currently, Geneva A team of about ten scientists, engineers and industrial experts is employed, with the support of about 40 collaborators. The team is expected to grow with the progress of the project through its technical features.
