Dear Kyoto Fusioneering Community,
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of significant progress toward the early realization of fusion energy in the midst of a rapidly changing world. We have been able to make significant progress thus far thanks to the unwavering support of our customers, investors, suppliers, and partners and due to the incredible dedication of our exceptional team.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you. As we look to the future, I would like to take this opportunity to share some reflections on Kyoto Fusioneering (KF)’s progress as well as developments in fusion energy around the globe.
Global Progress: Greater Recognition of Fusion Energy
This year, we saw the increased prominence of fusion energy on the global stage. During the G7 Summit in Italy, the members announced the establishment of a G7 working group on fusion energy and a commitment to pursuing a consistent regulatory approach.
In Japan, progress has been equally significant: the launch of the Japan Fusion Energy Council (J-Fusion) in March, a joint statement with the US government in April to accelerate progress on fusion energy involving the private sector, and the inclusion of fusion energy demonstration targets by the end of the 2030s as part of the Integrated Innovation Strategy published in June. All these developments the Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy announced last year.
Around the world, countless new initiatives, collaborations, and technological advancements have emerged from fusion-related companies and research institutions, including those in Japan. We are confident that the momentum toward achieving fusion energy will only grow stronger in the coming year.
KF’s Progress: Shifting to the “Integration” Stage in Developing Technology
This year, we reached several significant milestones in the development of our technology. Starting in January, we were the first to achieve the successful demonstration of a single gyrotron system operating at five frequencies. Construction of our UNITY-1 facility, a demo power plant at our Kyoto R&D Hub, has progressed significantly toward commissioning, with key components now installed and nearing completion. Additionally, UNITY-2, a project launched via Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc, our joint venture with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), is not only a new framework for development but also an innovative vehicle for commercializing fusion fuel cycle technology.
KF is now entering an important phase, focused both on developing and engineering new technology while also on integrating these technologies into unified systems. We are fully committed to demonstrating our fusion thermal cycle system at UNITY-1 and our fusion fuel cycle system at UNITY-2.
In addition, we are participating in FAST (Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) project announced in November. This is an ambitious attempt to integrate all the essential technologies needed for fusion power plants including D-T fusion plasma, its energy conversion system, and fusion fuel cycle technologies as a first facility in the world. The conceptual design phase is already underway in collaboration with prominent plasma researchers in Japan and international partners, and key fusion industry companies many of whom are our supporters. We aim at the demonstration of fusion generation technology by the end of 2030s.
Key Collaborations: Working across National and Sectoral Boundaries
We have made significant strides this year in developing global partnerships, which are essential to making fusion a reality. These include signed agreements with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the University of Tsukuba, and stronger ties with existing collaborators, including a new comprehensive agreement with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Moving forward, we will continue to transcend barriers between nations, industries, and academia through collaborations with diverse partners worldwide.
KF’s Core: A Strong Foundation and Passionate Team
This year was also a pivotal one for KF’s growth. During our Series C Extension round, we raised 2.63 billion Yen from investors, both domestic and international, across sectors including real estate, finance, manufacturing and trading. Our team expanded from 105 in October 2023 to 138 members (including contractors and global staff) in October 2024, bringing together exceptional talent from around the world. With the launch of our European office and a growing global presence, we have laid a strong foundation for our continued growth.
One inspiring moment from this year took place at our inaugural “Culture Day” in October, where our team members across all locations engaged in passionate discussions on our corporate culture. Seeing nearly 150 team members aligned with our vision of creating a sustainable world through fusion energy filled me with pride and instilled within me immeasurable confidence in our shared mission.
With the new year soon upon us, Kyoto Fusioneering remains committed to advancing fusion energy alongside all of you. We deeply appreciate your continued support and look forward to working together to make fusion energy a reality.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2025,
Satoshi Konishi – CEO and Chief Engineer
