MORESCO Corporation (MORESCO) and Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd. (KF) are excited to announce a new strategic partnership to jointly develop and commercialise radiation-resistant lubricants for next-generation fusion power plants.
By combining MORESCO’s advanced lubrication technologies with KF’s expertise in fusion plant systems, the collaboration aims to deliver innovative solutions that can withstand the extreme conditions inside fusion plants—supporting the advancement of fusion as a practical and sustainable energy source.
1. Partnership Overview
Fusion power plants rely on a wide range of rotating equipment—including vacuum pumps and turbines—that require high-performance performance lubricants to maintain stable, long-term operation with minimal maintenance. Also, since many internal components must be replaced remotely, robotic and other remote handling systems are essential. In all these applications, lubricants play a vital role in reducing wear and mechanical stress, ensuring that critical systems can operate reliably over time.
Yet, fusion environments pose unprecedented challenges for lubricant performance. Inside a fusion reactor, lubricants are subjected to intense radiation from multiple sources: tritium fuel, high-energy neutrons from the fusion reaction, and secondary radiation from activated materials. Under these extreme conditions, conventional lubricants tend to break down—thickening, solidifying, or otherwise degrading in ways that compromise their function. This degradation can lead to mechanical failure, unplanned downtime, and costly maintenance cycles.
To overcome the challenges posed by extreme radiation, some systems have turned to oil-free solutions like magnetic bearings, which reduce friction without the need for lubricants. However, the powerful magnetic fields generated around fusion reactors can interfere with these technologies, limiting their practical use. As fusion moves toward commercial viability, reducing maintenance demands and driving down operational costs will be essential—making high-performance, radiation- resistant lubricants a key enabler of reliable plant operation.
MORESCO is already at the forefront of this field, supplying radiation-resistant lubricants for demanding environments, including the remote-handling systems in fusion reactors and particle accelerators. These lubricants maintain stable viscosity even after exposure to intense radiation, delivering performance levels comparable to their pre-irradiated state(*). Also, lubricants used in fusion power plants must often operate in vacuum conditions—requiring ultra-low vapor pressure and minimal contamination to ensure both safety and efficiency. MORESCO’s technologies meet these stringent demands, offering proven solutions for the fusion era.
Following joint development and evaluation, MORESCO’s lubricants will be positioned as radiation-resistant solutions for use in KF’s fusion equipment. By tapping into KF’s global network of industry and research partners, the two companies plan to accelerate the adoption of MORESCO’s high-performance lubricants across fusion projects worldwide—supporting the transition from R&D to real-world application in next-generation energy systems.
*Related Studies:
- Characterization of a polyphenyl ether oil irradiated at high doses in a TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168583X21001130)
- Selection of radiation tolerant commercial greases for high-radiation areas at CERN: Methodology and applications (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235217912100154X)
2. Comments from Both Companies
Motohisa Morozumi, CEO, Representative Director, President – MORESCO Corporation
“Our radiation-resistant lubricants have earned the trust of some of the world’s most advanced research and energy institutions—from major accelerator facilities in Europe to nuclear power plants and robotic systems supporting the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
We’re honored to partner with Kyoto Fusioneering, a company at the forefront of fusion energy technology and commercialization. As Fusion emerges at a key pillar of future energy systems, this collaboration represents an important step forward.
Through this partnership, MORESCO remains committed to enabling a sustainable energy future by delivering high-performance, radiation-resistant lubricants with exceptional performance.”
Satoshi Konishi, Co-Founder and CEO, Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd.
“We are pleased to join forces with MORESCO, a company whose outstanding technological capabilities set it apart as one of the few in the world able to develop high-performance, radiation-resistant lubricants.
Fusion power plants present some of the most demanding operating environments imaginable—extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields, and radiation exposure. To ensure reliable operation and reduce maintenance, we need materials and systems that can perform under these conditions.
The development of advanced lubricants that can withstand such conditions is essential and a key step toward making fusion energy a practical and sustainable reality.”
3. About MORESCO Corporation
Headquartered in Kobe, Japan, MORESCO Corporation is a chemical manufacturer known for its innovative products that serve critical roles in the “interface ”—the spaces where objects come into contact with one another. From special lubricants used in automotive manufacturing to hot-melt adhesives found in hygiene applications, MORESCO’s products support a variety of industries.
Founded in 1958 as a spin-off from Matsumura Oil Co., Ltd., MORESCO has built its reputation on advanced blending, synthesis and refining technologies. These core capabilities have enabled the company to develop a wide range of high-value, uniquely engineered products that deliver lubrication, adhesion and surface protection.
As a “specialist in interface science,” MORESCO remains committed to its mission: delivering sustainable one-of-a-kind products to the world—and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in interface science.
Website: https://www.moresco.co.jp/en/index.php
4. About Kyoto Fusioneering
Kyoto Fusioneering, established in 2019, is a privately funded technology startup with facilities in Tokyo and Kyoto (Japan), Reading (UK), Seattle (US) and Karlsruhe (Germany) . The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for commercial fusion power plants, such as gyrotron systems, tritium fuel cycle technologies, and breeding blankets for tritium production and power generation. Working collaboratively with public and private fusion developers across the globe, Kyoto Fusioneering’s mission is to make fusion energy the ultimate, sustainable solution for humanity’s energy needs. Explore more about KF’s vision for the future of energy at www.kyotofusioneering.com/en/ or by contacting media@kyotofusioneering.com.
