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.

Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.
The containment structure over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor lost power after a Russian strike, as Zaporizhzhia remains cut off from external electricity for over a week.
Uranium deliveries to U.S. civilian operators rose 8% in 2024, while the average price climbed to its highest level since 2012, according to the latest available data.
The Vice-Chairman of Russia’s Security Council believes more countries will develop nuclear weapons and generative AI technologies as a result of increasing public sector efforts.
An international tribunal ruled in favour of French company Orano against the State of Niger, which had blocked the sale of uranium extracted from the Arlit mine since taking control of the site in 2023.
US-based Oklo and Sweden’s Blykalla join forces to coordinate supply chains and regulatory data sharing to accelerate the commercial deployment of their metal-cooled small modular reactors.
EDF plans a massive €25bn ($26.5bn) investment to modernise its nuclear fleet, focusing on reactor lifetime extension and preparing for new nuclear projects in France.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission set the full nuclear cost at €60.3/MWh by 2026, outlining the taxation thresholds applicable under the market reform scheduled for 2026.
The Ministry of Energy will initiate talks with developers of small nuclear reactors after signing a cooperation agreement with the United States to conduct preliminary studies on their deployment.
The restart of the Flamanville EPR reactor, initially scheduled for 1 October, has been delayed by more than two weeks due to a maintenance operation on the primary circuit.