Lower Saxony, Germany Plans to Build Europe's First Large-Scale Fusion-Grade High-Temperature Superconducting Tape Factory

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Proxima Fusion and the government of Lower Saxony, Germany signed a memorandum of understanding on September 9 in Hanover, planning to build Europe's first large-scale fusion-grade high-temperature superconducting tape production facility in the state, laying the foundation for large-scale industrial production of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape.

According to the plan, the first two phases of the project involve an investment of approximately 140 million euros, with public funds and private capital each covering about half. Of this, Lower Saxony plans to contribute 21 million euros, accounting for nearly 30% of the public funding portion. The first two phases of construction are expected to be completed by the end of 2029.

High-temperature superconducting tape is a type of metal tape that exhibits superconducting properties at relatively higher temperatures. In the superconducting state, it can transmit current with nearly zero resistive loss, and is used to manufacture high-power, compact electromagnets. For stellarator fusion devices, magnets made from high-temperature superconducting tape can generate the magnetic fields needed to confine and control high-temperature plasma, making them an important foundational material for achieving compact fusion devices and future fusion power plants.

The facility will serve Proxima Fusion's Alpha fusion demonstration device currently under development and the planned Stellaris fusion power plant, and provide industrial support for subsequent large-scale production of stellarators. According to current estimates, the Alpha project requires approximately 20,000 kilometers of high-temperature superconducting tape, and the Stellaris project will require approximately another 40,000 kilometers.

Currently, industrial production of high-temperature superconducting thin films and related tape is mainly concentrated in Asia. Proxima Fusion stated that if Europe hopes to establish a relatively complete stellarator supply chain, localized high-temperature superconducting tape manufacturing capability is of strategic significance. The new factory will integrate resources including materials, production processes, quality assurance, skilled workers, and suppliers, reducing dependence on overseas suppliers and providing a material foundation for power grids, medical imaging and treatment, advanced propulsion systems, and other high-field magnet technologies.

Proxima Fusion is in discussions with multiple international technology partners to introduce mature high-temperature superconducting manufacturing technology and production capacity to Lower Saxony. The company also stated that more than 50 companies in Europe have already participated in building the fusion energy industrial supply chain through the Alpha Alliance, and high-temperature superconducting tape production will fill a key upstream capability gap.

Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies stated that the state hopes to become a pioneer in Europe's high-temperature superconducting manufacturing sector, and thereby develop advanced manufacturing and create high-skilled jobs. Francesco Sciortino, co-founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion, stated that the Alpha and Stellaris projects will create demand-driven momentum for localized production and promote the development of related manufacturing technologies.

According to the memorandum of understanding, both parties will evaluate potential sites within Lower Saxony, establish milestone-based support and funding arrangements, advance the approval process, and cooperate with local enterprises, municipal institutions, and research institutions.