Proton-boron fusion

The goal of this project is to establish an experimentally proven analysis framework underpinning the future development of a viable hydrogen-boron fusion reactor. In that sense, the project seeks to federate the various experimental and theoretical advances made over the past decades, improve the state of knowledge in non-thermal fusion and, in doing so, help establish the viability of the approach promoted by UNSW’s industry partner HB11 Energy.

Indeed, due to recent advances in laser technology – and in particular chirped pulsed amplification (CPA) – it is now believed that a viable path to fusion can rest on the fusion of hydrogen (H) with boron (B), in its boron-11 isotope form. The successful implementation of a hydrogen-boron fusion reactor would be of immense economic importance. Such reactors would provide a reliable, base-load-capable and clean energy source, enabled by a fuel (hydrogen and boron) that is abundant and easily sourced.