Type One Energy Plans to Develop Fusion Prototype at Retired TVA Coal Plant

Type One Energy Group has unveiled ambitious plans to establish its presence at the Bull Run Fossil Plant, a retired coal facility owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Clinton, Tennessee. The company intends to construct the Infinity One, its stellarator fusion prototype machine, at this location. This announcement aligns with TVA's broader strategy to retire its coal fleet entirely by 2030, with the Bull Run Fossil Plant being decommissioned in December 2023.

The initiation of the Infinity One project is contingent on various factors, including the completion of environmental reviews, the establishment of partnership agreements, obtaining necessary permits, and securing operating licenses. Alongside this ambitious initiative, Type One Energy is set to establish its headquarters in East Tennessee, further integrating its operations into the local landscape.

Project Infinity is a collaborative effort stemming from a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 between TVA, Type One Energy, and the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The agreement reflects the shared interest of the three parties in developing and commercializing fusion energy technologies. The successful deployment of Infinity One in East Tennessee is positioned as a pivotal milestone in Type One Energy's FusionDirect commercialization program.

The overarching goal of Project Infinity is to create the world's highest-performance stellarator, offering a robust platform for potential long-term fusion research facilities. Type One Energy, in collaboration with TVA and ORNL, aims to explore subsequent opportunities for advancing the commercial deployment of fusion energy within the East Tennessee region. Infinity One will play a crucial role in verifying the design features of Type One Energy's high-field stellarator fusion pilot plant, focusing on aspects such as operating efficiency, reliability, maintainability, and affordability.

TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of pursuing innovative solutions to meet the growing energy demand. He mentioned that TVA is collaborating with partners to explore novel ideas and innovative solutions addressing the increasing energy demand in real-world conditions. He expressed gratitude for the partnership involving Type One Energy, ORNL, local power companies, as well as elected and economic development officials, highlighting their collective efforts to identify energy technologies for the future.

Type One Energy's ambitious plan to establish the Infinity One fusion prototype at the Bull Run Fossil Plant signifies a significant stride in the commercialization of fusion energy. The collaborative effort with TVA and ORNL underscores the commitment to advancing innovative solutions for future energy needs. The success of Project Infinity holds the promise of revolutionizing the energy landscape, opening avenues for further fusion research and deployment in the East Tennessee region.