The fusion energy sector is witnessing a seismic shift, driven by the urgent need for zero-carbon power and the influx of venture capital. At the heart of this transformation is the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology, which has become indispensable for the viability of commercial fusion. HTS-110, a company born from decades of pioneering research in New Zealand, is at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging its unparalleled expertise to help fusion innovators navigate the complexities of high-field magnet challenges and compress development timelines.
The landscape of fusion energy has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once dominated by large government programs like ITER, the field is now teeming with private ventures, many of which are prioritizing robust, high-field magnet systems. This shift coincides with global electrification efforts, soaring venture investments, and the pressing need to meet climate goals. HTS-110, with its roots in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and a legacy of delivering advanced industrial and beamline challenges, is uniquely positioned to address these new demands.
HTS-110’s journey began with the identification of the Bi-2223 structure by Drs. Bob Buckley and Jeff Tallon, leading to the commercial production of HTS tapes. By 2007, the company had delivered a 5-tesla split-pair solenoid to the Berlin Electron Synchrotron and followed with a similar magnet for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). These early deployments proved that HTS could excel beyond laboratory prototypes, delivering stable fields without liquid helium. This practical expertise in HTS technology has become a cornerstone for HTS-110’s entry into the commercial fusion market.
As fusion developers sought stronger, more temperature-tolerant magnets for 10-20 tesla operation, HTS-110 found itself at the front line. The company’s in-house design capabilities, real-world magnet manufacturing, and deep understanding of the conductor itself have been instrumental in meeting these demands. The transition to fusion has required adapting to higher field targets and large production volume requirements, but HTS-110’s proven track record has made this transition seamless.
One of the critical concerns in superconducting magnets, especially for fusion, is quench. In low-temperature superconductors (LTS), the quench propagation velocity is relatively high, allowing the magnet to survive such an event if well-designed. However, HTS exhibits a low quench propagation velocity, which can be problematic. Fortunately, HTS conductors also have very high thermal stability, making them far less likely to quench under normal conditions. HTS-110 embeds continuous monitoring within its magnet designs, ensuring that operation stays within a safe envelope. This synergy of low quench likelihood and robust detection is crucial for advanced fusion magnets, where stored energy can be immense and reliability is paramount.
The global market is facing Helium Shortage 4.0, making cryogen-free or helium-light systems increasingly attractive. HTS-110’s designs integrate CryoSaver™ leads, which dramatically cut conduction losses, and robust cryocoolers, helping fusion programs mitigate helium supply risks and simplify on-site operations. This focus on efficiency and reliability is a testament to HTS-110’s commitment to advancing fusion technology.
HTS-110’s ability to meet commercial fusion needs stems from its in-house R&D, where the company has refined coil winding, conductor qualification, cryogenic integration, and fast-ramping magnets. These learnings have been crystallized into four integrated product lines: SuperCurrent™, CryoSaver™, CryoForge™, and fast-ramping magnets. These products help new fusion entrants skip years of trial and error, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive fusion market.
The development of rapid-ramping magnets has been a significant body of research for HTS-110, showcasing HTS’s aptitude for rapid field changes. This experience can inform smaller control or compensation coils, where dynamic field adjustments matter. The company’s collaboration with wire suppliers, many of whom rely on the SuperCurrent™ platform for precise Ic data, ensures that HTS-110 can seamlessly integrate ReBCO or Bi-2223 tapes into its designs. This synergy allows the company to maintain tight project timelines without sacrificing reliability, a crucial factor when building magnets for fusion’s demanding performance envelope.
The fusion energy sector is on the cusp of a revolution, and HTS-110 is at the forefront of this transformation. The company’s expertise in HTS technology, combined with its commitment to innovation and reliability, is shaping the development of commercial fusion. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and the need for zero-carbon
