- Proxima Fusion and Lower Saxony sign memorandum to boost HTS tape production.
- New production facility to create high-skilled jobs and establish supply chain.
- HTS tape crucial for stellar fusion technology, enabling efficient current transmission.
- Lower Saxony to become European pioneer in HTS production, driving economic growth.
Proxima Fusion, a company based in Munich, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German state of Lower Saxony to lay the groundwork for large-scale industrial production of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape. The planned production facility is expected to create industrial value and high-skilled employment opportunities while establishing a crucial industrial foundation for a new European supply chain. The first two project phases are planned to involve investments of approximately €140 million, with activities expected to continue through the end of 2029.
Lower Saxony's Minister President, Stephan Weil, stated: "We are positioning Lower Saxony as a pioneer in European HTS production. This not only supports Germany's ambitious fusion energy goals but will also bring advanced manufacturing, new economic value, high-skilled jobs, and technical expertise to our state, with the potential for positive innovation effects in many other industries. Lower Saxony will essentially become a magnet for a new key technology."
The Critical Nature of High-Temperature Superconducting Tape
HTS tape is a specialized metal tape that becomes superconducting at relatively high temperatures. In its superconducting state, it can transmit current with virtually no resistive losses, enabling the construction of both powerful and compact electromagnets. Magnets made from these tapes are crucial for stellar fusion machines, as they generate the magnetic fields that confine and control the extremely hot plasma within fusion machines. HTS tape is thus a key enabler of fusion technology. According to the press release, this technology not only supports the technical realization of fusion energy but also promotes the development of economically viable power plants.
The planned production facility will be the first of its kind in Germany and Europe and will lay a crucial industrial foundation for Proxima’s Alpha fusion demonstration device, its planned Stellaris power plant, and ultimately large-scale stellar fusion machines. In addition to supporting the stellar fusion supply chain, HTS production capabilities could also be used for high-performance power grids, medical imaging and therapy, advanced propulsion systems, and other high-field magnet technologies.
The Strategic Importance of Establishing Domestic Production Capabilities
Currently, HTS tape is primarily produced on an industrial scale in Asia. Establishing domestic production capabilities is strategically important for almost completely placing the stellar fusion supply chain within Europe. According to current plans, Proxima will require about 20,000 kilometers of HTS tape for Alpha and an additional 40,000 kilometers for Stellaris. The long-term procurement volume is crucial for scaling up production, retaining manufacturing expertise, and reducing the cost per meter.
Proxima aims to finance the total investment equally through private capital and public funds, with Lower Saxony contributing €21 million, approximately 30% of the planned public funding contribution. Proxima Fusion co-founder and CEO Francesco Stefani said: "HTS tape is one of the key technologies needed to rapidly scale up industrial-grade fusion. Alpha and Stellaris will create the demand necessary to establish this manufacturing expertise locally. Lower Saxony has the industrial base, energy expertise, and political will to transform supply chain dependency into a lasting strategic advantage for Germany and Europe."
The factory will enable Germany to retain manufacturing expertise and economic value, make its European supply chain more resilient, and transform its world-leading stellar fusion research into an industry of international significance. According to the press release, by integrating material expertise, production processes, quality assurance, technicians, and suppliers, a crucial upstream manufacturing capability will be created and applied across a wide range of fields, while reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.
Lower Saxony's Minister for Science and Culture, Falko Mohrs, stated: "Lower Saxony offers excellent conditions for future industries. Our research institutions have particular strengths in key fusion technologies, especially in laser physics and photonics. The planned facility demonstrates the importance of collaboration between science and industry, which is crucial for developing new areas of strength in Lower Saxony."
The Industrial Potential of High-Temperature Superconducting Technology
The production of high-temperature superconducting tape is not only a manifestation of technological innovation but also a significant step for Germany in the global competition for fusion energy. By establishing local production capabilities, Germany can reduce its reliance on external suppliers, enhance the resilience of its supply chain, and increase economic value. This initiative will support the development of stellar fusion technology and may have far-reaching impacts in multiple fields such as healthcare and power grids, laying the foundation for future technological innovation and economic growth.