In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion, about the promise and progress of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution. The discussion touches on the mounting pressure of rising global energy demand and why nuclear, specifically fusion, could be a game-changing response. Kieran explains the fundamental differences between nuclear fission and fusion, the risks and legacy of fission reactors, and the promise of fusion technologies that don’t carry the same waste or meltdown threats. He also explains Realta’s modular, cylindrical “magnetic mirror” design that offers a simpler, more scalable path to fusion energy.

Key Points:

• Fusion Could Be the Energy Breakthrough the World Needs: With abundant hydrogen fuel, no long-term waste, and no risk of runaway reactions, fusion offers a clean, scalable solution to meet rising global energy demand.
• Realta Fusion Uses a Simpler, Cylindrical Magnetic Mirror Design: Unlike the complex donut-shaped tokamaks and stellarators, Realta’s straight-line magnetic mirror system is modular, easier to build, and designed for practical deployment.
• A Commercial Fusion Plant Is Targeted for the Mid-2030s: Realta aims to build its first commercial-scale system by the mid-2030s, with some other startups pushing for even earlier timelines.

• Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion
• Kieran’s LinkedIn
• Realta Fusion's LinkedIn
• Realta Fusion's Magnetic Mirror Technology

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

• Previous episodes mentioned:
• #26: The Forever Fuel in Nuclear Fusion
• #6: To Nuclear or Not

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