Dear Kyoto Fusioneering Community,
As we reflect on the significant milestones achieved at Kyoto Fusioneering over the past year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire community of investors, partners, supporters, advocates, collaborators, and the exceptional staff who have tirelessly contributed to our shared mission of advancing fusion energy.
We anticipate encountering numerous challenges ahead, not only on the technical front but also within the business domain. Nevertheless, what Kyoto Fusioneering has accomplished this past year is remarkable, surpassing our expectations in many areas. We take pride in our substantial progress toward the goal of fusion energy, contributing significantly to the global fusion community. The remarkable growth of Kyoto Fusioneering is evident, aligning with our objective to become the world’s first fusion plant provider. Equally important is ensuring that every member of the Kyoto Fusioneering Community achieves their expected milestones in both professional and personal aspects.
This year marked a transition for me as I assumed the role of CEO. I extend my sincere thanks to our Chairperson, Taka Nagao, who not only established a solid foundation but also continues to play a pivotal role as our Representative Director. Thank you SO MUCH! I deeply appreciate the contributions of each member to the company’s success and would like to highlight our achievements as follows.
Global Expansion: In response to the evolving landscape of fusion energy, KF strategically expanded its presence across three continents: Asia, Europe, and North America. This involved the launch, in February, of KF America in Seattle, Washington. Establishing a subsidiary on the North American continent is crucial, not only for serving the US and Canada as a domestic company but also for continuing our operations to provide round-the-clock service, 24 hours a day.
We are also expanding our activities on the European continent by strengthening our partnerships with multiple players, encompassing both public and private entities.
Gyrotron Business and Global Impact: Our gyrotron enterprise is thriving, extending its reach to a discerning global clientele. The recent agreement with General Atomics stands as a noteworthy stride in delivering cutting-edge gyrotrons to the U.S. Department of Energy’s DIII-D National Fusion Facility.
Furthermore, the very first gyrotron to the United Kingdom has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test and is ready for dispatch, destined for service in the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) ‘s MAST Upgrade Spherical Tokamak Experiment. This gyrotron has achieved an impressive feat by demonstrating an output power of 1 MW for a long pulse of 3 seconds during the35GHz low-frequency gyrotron system performance test. This excellent accomplishment is the result of collaborative endeavors involving industry, academia, and the international community. Notably, it represents one of the highest and longest power outputs for low-frequency gyrotron systems ever achieved. This frequency range is crucial to many of the currently operated plasma machines, and the future business opportunities for gyrotrons in this frequency range remain promising.
Accelerating International Partnerships: Formulating effective international collaborations to propel the development of fusion energy is imperative. In early March, KF entered a collaborative accord with UKAEA to collectively pioneer advancements in fusion-related technologies.
Concurrently, we established a strategic alliance with Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) to advance the UNITY Program, with a particular emphasis on UNITY-2—a venture that holds substantial promise in reshaping the tritium fuel cycle. This project stands as a world-leading demonstration of fusion fuel cycle capabilities.
Further fortifying our commitment to global collaborative efforts, KF executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to expedite the commercialization of General Fusion’s Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology. These international agreements embody our dedication to fostering innovative partnerships globally and actively participating in the fusion innovation ecosystem.
Global Acknowledgments: Our technology is recognized on a global scale. We successfully secured projects under the US Department of Energy (DOE) Program INFUSE in August. These achievements have paved the way for research collaborations with DOE’s national laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
Our presence at world fusion conferences is on the rise, with notable instances including our invited participation in the opening panel of the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in October in London.
Investment in R&D Infrastructure: In September, we announced the establishment of the Kyoto Research Centre in Kumiyama, Kyoto, Japan. This facility will serve as a hub for groundbreaking research, with a particular focus on the Thermal Cycle System. The on-site launch of UNITY-1 will further demonstrate our commitment to advancing fusion technology through practical experimentation. The Kyoto Research Centre is the first large facility for which we are responsible for operation, providing us with unique and important experience in building and operating fusion facilities.
This year marked a significant milestone as KF secured 10.5 billion yen (US$79 million) in an oversubscribed Series C funding round. This substantial investment is propelling Fusion Power Plant R&D and the expansion of our global commercial and technical operations. These successful fundraising efforts have played a pivotal role in scaling our operations and achieving the remarkable initiatives described above and represent fundamental steps in our journey to better serve the global fusion community. I express my gratitude to our investors and supporters for their trust and commitment.
Team Expansion and Culture Building: Among our proudest achievements is the expansion of our team to a force of 100 remarkable individuals. KF Global Camp 2023 was not merely a gathering; it was KF’s dedication to accelerate internal connection, fostering a culture of collaboration and a shared vision for the future.
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my deepest appreciation to each member of our community and your families for your support and commitment. Your resilience and relentless pursuit of innovation have been the cornerstones of our success.
Last, but certainly not least, the most important target of our company that I should emphasize in this message is your own health, safety, and happiness. Our goal is to make this company perform as the team that can make fusion energy real, and first in the world. We have to make this company an even more creative, innovative and resolute team in technology and business. It will be possible only when we, each individual, can enjoy our work. I am a little concerned that all of us are too busy and working too hard in these days. Please take a good rest, enjoy your personal lives more, and be conscious of your health and safety.
Have a happy holiday season!
Satoshi Konishi CEO, Kyoto Fusioneering
