CFS Secures $85 Million CHIPS Act Award for Fusion-Ready Hardware
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is targeting the hardware bottleneck with radiation-hardened electronics and silicon carbide power systems.
While much of the AI era focuses on software, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is targeting the physical hardware bottlenecks required to scale fusion energy. As reported by TechCrunch, CFS announced Thursday it will receive $85 million from the U.S. government through a Department of Commerce award under the CHIPS Act.
According to TechCrunch, the funding comes as CFS prepares to activate its Sparc reactor next year. However, the company notes that moving from a single proof-of-concept to dozens of commercial plants requires a more robust supply chain and durable power electronics. In a blog post, CFS co-founder and chief science officer Brandon Sorbom stated the award will help create a more economical power plant and a stronger U.S. supply chain.
CFS will allocate the funds across five initiatives, including:
* **Silicon carbide power electronics:** Used to manage high voltages for the superconducting magnets that confine plasma. * **Radio-frequency power generators:** Next-generation systems used to heat fusion fuel. * **Radiation-hardened electronics:** Advanced hardware designed to enable faster reactor control and extend the lifespan of components to lower operating costs. * **AI hardware adaptation:** Modifying GPUs and TPUs for use within power plants.
As part of the agreement, the U.S. government will take a stake in CFS. Sorbom told TechCrunch that the funding aims to simultaneously improve the U.S. chip industry and accelerate the integration of fusion energy into the electrical grid.