In a major step toward commercialising fusion energy, Type One Energy has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to develop plans for a potential fusion power plant in the Tennessee Valley region.
This ambitious project, named Infinity Two, aims to deliver a 350 MWe stellarator fusion power plant by the mid-2030s.
By leveraging TVA’s infrastructure and expertise, the initiative seeks to provide a reliable and sustainable energy source for the region while advancing fusion technology on a global scale.
Joe Hoagland, TVA Vice President of Innovation and Research, commented: “Unleashing America’s energy potential will take all forms of generation, including fusion.
“Energy security is national security, and we are focused on developing a technology, supply chain, and delivery model to build an industry that can power America and the world.”
Fusion energy explained
Fusion energy is the process of harnessing the power of the Sun by fusing atomic nuclei to generate enormous amounts of heat and electricity.
Unlike traditional nuclear fission, which splits atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion is clean, safe, and virtually limitless.
If successfully commercialised, fusion energy has the potential to revolutionise global electricity production, offering a carbon-free alternative that could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
Repurposing infrastructure for a greener future
A key aspect of the Infinity Two project is its potential to repurpose retired TVA fossil fuel power plant sites, making use of existing grid connections and infrastructure.
This not only reduces development costs but also accelerates the transition from coal and gas to clean energy.
Additionally, the project supports greenfield deployments, ensuring that fusion technology can be integrated into new energy developments while reinforcing grid stability and reliability.
Expanding on Project Infinity’s vision
Infinity Two builds upon Project Infinity, a collaboration between Type One Energy, TVA, and the United States Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which was launched in early 2024 with backing from the state of Tennessee.
Initially focused on deploying the Infinity One stellarator prototype at TVA’s Bull Run power plant, the project has now evolved into a broader initiative aimed at accelerating fusion power plant commercialisation.
Through this expanded agreement, Type One Energy and TVA will work together on site selection, environmental reviews, licensing, and financial planning.
This includes securing funding from various sources to ensure the successful development of Infinity Two and positioning it as a model for future fusion power plants worldwide.
Strengthening the fusion energy supply chain
To support the development of Infinity Two, Type One Energy has also partnered with TVA’s Power Service Shops (PSS) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
This collaboration will enhance the modular manufacturing and assembly capabilities required to construct stellarator fusion power plants efficiently.
By leveraging PSS’s expertise, Type One Energy aims to streamline its supply chain, reduce costs, and establish a scalable model for fusion power plant production.
Workforce development and community engagement
A crucial component of Project Infinity is its commitment to workforce development. The initiative aims to train professionals with the skills needed to assemble, operate, and maintain stellarator fusion power plants.
Given Tennessee and Alabama’s strong history of innovation in the energy sector, the region is well-positioned to become a hub for fusion energy expertise.
By involving local communities, the project will create high-quality jobs, attract investment, and enhance energy security in the Tennessee Valley.
A path toward fusion commercialisation
By leveraging TVA’s experience in power plant operations, engineering, and licensing, Type One Energy can focus on advancing its stellarator fusion technology without needing to build new infrastructure from scratch.
This collaboration significantly reduces commercialisation risks and accelerates the pathway toward delivering affordable, safe, and scalable fusion power.
Furthermore, Project Infinity aligns with TVA’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy while reinforcing the United States’ leadership in the global clean energy transition.
As fusion energy moves closer to commercialisation, partnerships like the one between Type One Energy and TVA demonstrate how public-private collaborations can drive innovation and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
The Infinity Two fusion power plant represents a bold step towards a future powered by clean, abundant, and carbon-free fusion energy – a game-changer in the quest for global energy security and climate resilience.
