Igniting the Energy Future
Fusion Innovation, Research, and Engagement
The achievement of ignition by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in December 2022 was groundbreaking. As the Lab continues to advance the decadal vision of fusion energy, public-private partnerships will be paramount, as will community outreach and engagement. As a key philanthropic partner, the Foundation supports the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and other partners to advance fusion, with opportunities for private investment and in strengthening the fusion education and workforce ecosystem.
Inertial Fusion Energy: Illuminate. Implode. Ignite.
The Era of Ignition
On December 5, 2022, an experiment taking place at NIF demonstrated fusion ignition for the first time in a laboratory setting. Ignition occurs when more energy is produced from a fusion reaction than the energy needed to create the reaction. This breakthrough not only made scientific history, but provides invaluable insights into the prospects of clean energy.
The Next Generation of Fusion Leaders
Creating pathways and opportunities for the next generation to work in fusion is critical to long-term success. In 2023, the Foundation launched an inaugural Fusion Fellowship experience for students to work on the NIF team at LLNL.
Jacob Crouch, a second year Chemical Engineering Ph.D student at the The University of Oklahoma, served as the inaugural fellow. His summer research, “Survey of Inertial Fusion Energy Power Plant Designs,” allowed him to evaluate key fusion enabling technologies, such as driver repetition rate, target fabrication, chamber clearing, etc., in support of the development of IFE.
“This fellowship allowed me to learn about fusion energy and its potential as a limitless clean energy source, as well as the challenges that must be overcome to get there. LLF’s support made my dream of interning at a national laboratory possible. Thank you to the LLF community for your support, it means the world to me.” — Jacob Crouch
Latest Fusion News
The achievement of ignition by LLNL in December 2022 was groundbreaking. Moving beyond that to the nation’s decadal vision of commercial fusion energy will require, among other things, creating pathways and opportunities for the next generation to work in fusion. In 2023, the Foundation launched an inaugural Fusion Fellowship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work with the Inertial Fusion Energy team at LLNL. This summer, LLF was pleased to bring two more fusion fellows to the Lab.
The Foundation believes in creating pathways and opportunities for the next generation to work in fusion to fuel long-term success in this research area. This year, LLF launched an inaugural Fusion Fellowship for students to work on the NIF team at LLNL, with Jacob Crouch as the first fellow!