Realta Fusion achieves first direct electricity generation from a fusion reaction in the private sector

Realta Fusion, a U.S. fusion-energy startup, said it has generated electricity directly from a nuclear fusion reaction in what it called a first for the private sector. The experiment took place on the WHAM demonstration reactor, the company said. According to German tech news site WinFuture.de, citing company statements, Realta Fusion used a prototype direct-energy converter installed at the end of the reactor to harvest energy from alpha particles, charged helium nuclei produced during deuterium-tritium fusion reactions, which account for about one-fifth of the released fusion energy. The company reported generating several amperes at 100 volts, enough to power several light bulbs. CEO and co-founder Kieran Furlong said the technology reached around 90% efficiency in initial tests, though that figure covers only the targeted portion of fusion energy, WinFuture reported. Conventional steam turbines in nuclear plants typically achieve about one-third of that efficiency. The company's long-term plan is not to supply the electricity to customers but to recirculate it to sustain the hot plasma inside the reactor itself. Furlong estimated the approach could boost a commercial fusion plant's overall output by 20% to 30% and improve its economic viability.