Fusion Fuel Cycles develops its fusion energy technology in Canada

Fusion Fuel Cycles will develop fuel cycle systems for global fusion programs, starting with UNITY-2, a test site at Chalk River.

Share:

Combustible Fusion Chalk River

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Fusion Fuel Cycles (FFC), based in Chalk River, Ontario, is a new initiative that will transform the fusion energy industry by developing large-scale fuel cycle systems. This partnership, combining the advanced technological and operational capabilities of Kyoto Fusioneering and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), aims to offer complete and innovative solutions for fusion development.

The UNITY-2 project: a major step forward

FFC’s first project, UNITY-2, is an integrated, flexible test facility located at Chalk River Laboratories. Scheduled to be fully operational by mid-2026, this pioneering facility will cover the entire D-T (deuterium-tritium) fuel cycle, from landfill to processing and supply. UNITY-2 will demonstrate efficient tritium processing technologies under relevant conditions, paving the way for commercial fusion power plants in the next decade.

Objectives and scope of UNITY-2

UNITY-2 will serve as an open, multi-purpose platform for fusion innovators from around the world, helping to advance the science and bridge the technology gaps associated with tritium processing systems. Areas of study will include tritium inventory minimization, processing efficiency, tritium emission reduction, material compatibility, process modeling, controls, simulation, fuel supply, tritium accounting, operational safety and waste minimization.

Contributions from Kyoto Fusioneering and CNL

Kyoto Fusioneering, a start-up from Kyoto University, focuses on the development of advanced technologies for commercial fusion reactors. These technologies include tritium fuel cycles and breeding blankets for tritium production and power generation. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories contributes its extensive experience in tritium handling, strengthening the partnership’s ability to achieve its ambitious goals.

Support and prospects for the fusion sector

CNL CEO Jack Craig emphasizes the importance of FFC in the development of fusion energy, combining Kyoto Fusioneering’s technological expertise with CNL’s experience to revolutionize the fusion industry. Satoshi Konishi, CEO of Kyoto Fusioneering, adds that FFC will accelerate the development of crucial fuel cycle technologies, offering complete solutions for the future of fusion energy. Fred Dermarkar, CEO of AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited), sees this new venture as an anchor for Canada in the growing global fusion industry, building on Canadian expertise in tritium and CANDU reactors.
Fusion Fuel Cycles represents a significant step forward in the field of fusion energy, with the UNITY-2 project paving the way for future facilities and the development of advanced fuel cycle technologies. By combining the strengths of Kyoto Fusioneering and CNL, this initiative promises to advance technological capabilities and strengthen Canada’s position in the global fusion energy sector.

Facing energy security challenges, several Southeast Asian countries are turning to nuclear and could invest up to $208bn to reach 25 GW of capacity, favouring small modular reactors.
A strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States aims to shorten nuclear licensing timelines and strengthen industrial cooperation around fusion and modular reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.