Feature Physics

Nuclear fusion gets boost from private-sector startups

Startups bring a new attitude to the energy quest — will it be enough?

General Fusion Reactor

RENEGADE FUSION  Private-sector startups, like General Fusion, are betting they can develop an energy source for the future faster than government-funded projects. General Fusion's prototype (shown) uses pistons that converge on magnetized, superhot plasma.

General Fusion

By Alan Boyle

- More than 2 years ago

The lab where a company called General Fusion is trying to spark an energy revolution looks like a cross between a hardware store and a mad scientist’s lair.