In a coastal warehouse in Wellington, New Zealand, OpenStar Technologies is developing an innovative approach to nuclear fusion, inspired by the energy of stars. The startup’s unconventional “inside-out” reactor centers on a powerful levitating magnet, aiming to achieve fusion—a process where hydrogen atoms merge to produce vast amounts of clean energy.
Nuclear fusion is often seen as the ultimate clean energy source. Unlike current nuclear fission, which splits atoms and generates long-term radioactive waste, fusion produces no harmful emissions or enduring waste. It uses hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, making it a sustainable and near-limitless energy solution.
OpenStar recently achieved a significant milestone by generating superheated plasma at 300,000°C (540,000°F), a critical step toward creating fusion energy. CEO Ratu Mataira hailed the breakthrough, stating, “First plasma is the moment you know the system works.” This progress was achieved within two years and at a cost of approximately $10 million, showcasing an agile and cost-effective alternative to traditional government-led projects.
Unlike the widely used tokamak reactor, which confines plasma with strong magnetic coils, OpenStar’s reactor reverses the setup. Its single, levitating magnet resides within the plasma, inspired by studies of planetary magnetic fields like Jupiter’s. While earlier attempts using this concept faced scalability challenges, OpenStar has updated the design with advanced magnet technology, enabling rapid improvements and easier maintenance.
The reactor’s streamlined design makes it faster and less complex to engineer compared to tokamaks, which Mataira likens to “building a ship in a bottle.” OpenStar plans to construct two more prototypes within four years to refine scalability and viability.
This startup is part of a burgeoning wave of fusion-focused ventures attracting private capital. While OpenStar has raised $12 million so far, competitors like Commonwealth Fusion Systems have secured over $2 billion for their high-temperature superconducting tokamak reactors. Other innovators, such as Seattle-based Zap Energy, are exploring entirely magnet-free systems.
Despite rapid advancements, experts remain cautious about commercialization timelines. OpenStar predicts readiness in six years, while others foresee practical fusion power emerging in the 2030s or later. Skepticism persists due to the significant scientific and regulatory hurdles to grid-ready systems.
Nonetheless, Mataira believes agile startups are accelerating progress. “Not all fusion companies will succeed,” he acknowledges, “but each step brings society closer to clean, sustainable energy.” While challenges remain, OpenStar and its peers are igniting hope for a transformative power source that could revolutionize the fight against climate change.
