Fusion startup Xcimer hopes to pick site by year's end
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Fusion startup Xcimer Energy plans to pick a site by year's end to host what would be the world's largest laser.
Why it matters: Companies, investors and governments are racing to try to commercialize fusion tech as a limitless form of clean energy.
Driving the news: Xcimer cofounder Alexander Valys told Axios that while the Denver-based company had hoped to make a decision by the end of 2025, it needs more time.
- "We are looking at a few different states," Valys said. "We'd love to stay in Colorado. But the next facility is going to be the world's largest, biggest brightest laser. It will have a bunch of other applications outside of fusion.
- "Because of all those other applications, we're really making sure where is the location that will have the most value."
How it works: Xcimer is using a form of ultraviolet gas laser called an excimer laser, which is already used by sectors like semiconductor manufacturing.
- The lasers can produce longer pulses, leading to lower-power, less expensive systems.
- Xcimer ultimately will use its lasers to compress nuclear fuel and kick off a fusion reaction. The idea is to make the lasers cheap enough to enable fusion to be commercial.
What we're watching: Valys joined other fusion executives in D.C. last week to lobby Hill and administration officials as the sector seeks up to $10 billion in federal funding.
- "The U.S. is in the lead in fusion, but not everyone really realizes what a race we're in," he said. "China, the U.K., Germany and Japan are putting in substantial capital and helping privately funded fusion."
The bottom line: "The window is still open for the U.S. to retain its lead," he said, "but we have to move fast."
