CleanTechies

#216 This is How Nuclear Fusion Becomes a Reality w/ Brian Berzin (Thea Energy)

Silas & Somil Season 1 Episode 216

Brian Berzin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Thea Energy, a nuclear fusion company aiming to commercialize clean, dispatchable energy. With over 70 years of scientific research from Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, Thea Energy focuses on utilizing a stellarator design for efficient and scalable fusion power. Previously an electrical engineer and venture capitalist, Brian combines his technical and entrepreneurial expertise to lead Thea in developing the next generation of energy solutions, targeting commercial deployment by the 2030s.

Thea Energy is an American fusion power company established in 2022 as a spin-off from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). The company focuses on advancing fusion energy technology through a novel stellarator approach that utilizes all-planar electromagnetic coils. This method simplifies the design and enhances the precision of magnetic field control, aiming to make fusion energy a viable and sustainable energy source for the future

In this episode, Brian shares insights on:

  • Advancing fusion energy with simplified, scalable technology.
  • The 70-year journey of fusion research at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.
  • The future timeline for commercial fusion power plants.

Enjoy!
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Topics:

  • 02:10 The Journey of Thea Energy
  • 12:47 Brian's Path to Fusion
  • 20:53 The Right Time for Fusion
  • 24:42 Understanding Nuclear Fusion
  • 25:10 Understanding Fusion vs. Fission
  • 30:58 The Future of Fusion Energy
  • 41:29 Government's Role in Nuclear Energy
  • 48:01 Reflections on Climate Week

Links:

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