Pacific Fusion Eyes Net Energy Gain Within 18 Months, Pilot Reactor by 2028

Pacific Fusion, backed by $340 million from energy and venture investors, aims to demonstrate net energy gain from its inertial confinement fusion reactor within 18 months. A pilot reactor is targeted for 2028. The startup's latest prototype achieved 440 gigawatts peak power with 1.67 percent energy conversion efficiency, up threefold from prior generations. Success would validate compact fusion as an industrial energy source.