Zap Energy has recently made significant strides in the realm of nuclear fusion technology with its Century fusion engineering test platform. This advancement marks a pivotal moment in the development of fusion energy, as Century has achieved the capability to perform over one hundred plasma shots at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, effectively meaning it can conduct one shot every five seconds. Each of these plasma shots is an extraordinary demonstration of electrical power, with currents reaching up to 500 kA. This amount of current is approximately twenty times stronger than that of a typical lightning bolt, making it one of the most exciting feats in modern energy research.
The unique operational setup of Century places these impressive plasma shots inside a vacuum chamber, which is comparable in size to a hot water heater. The entirety of the reaction takes place within a vessel lined with liquid bismuth, which serves multiple purposes, such as acting as a protective barrier, an electrical conduction path, and a heat transfer fluid. The ability to maintain this environment while achieving high-energy outputs signifies a considerable step forward in harnessing fusion energy.
In comparison to earlier benchmarks established in 2024, this recent achievement represents a dramatic increase—specifically, a twentyfold rise in sustained average power. This leap in power generation and efficiency is a major stepping stone toward the eventual development and deployment of commercial fusion power plants. These plants could revolutionize the energy landscape, offering a cleaner, renewable source of energy that has the potential to replace fossil fuels and lead to a more sustainable future.
The methods employed in Zap Energy’s approach are particularly noteworthy. Unlike traditional fusion methods that rely on superconducting magnets or high-intensity laser systems, Century operates using a sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch configuration. This innovative technology acts by driving a pulse of electricity through a flowing plasma stream, thereby generating a magnetic field that compresses the plasma while also providing stabilizing forces that sustain the fusion reaction. This streamlined approach simplifies the technology needed for fusion and could pave the way for more accessible and effective power generation.
Matthew Thompson, the Vice President of Systems Engineering at Zap Energy, indicated that achieving prolonged operations with Century provides essential insights into the design and function of a commercially viable sheared-flow Z-pinch fusion power plant. The real-world tests conducted through Century have helped the team identify and address various technological challenges that may arise as commercial fusion systems advance. This forward momentum in fusion research serves to solidify Century’s relevance as a key component in the broader context of transition towards sustainable energy.
One of the critical objectives for Century includes the characterization of energy transfer between three main subsystems critical to operation: repetitive pulsed power, liquid metal walls, and durable electrodes. These subsystems are integral to constructing a stable commercial fusion reactor capable of continuous and efficient energy output. Achieving this integration will be crucial for realizing reliable power generation from fusion technology.
The upgrades made to Century since its initial operations are impressive in their depth and scope. Among these, a liquid metal loop has been implemented, facilitating the circulation of 2,500 pounds of liquid bismuth that enhances the system’s overall efficiency. This molten metal not only serves as an electrical conduction pathway but also functions as a barrier and heat transfer medium vital for energy extraction. Additionally, advancements have been made with a liquid metal first wall that uses centrifugal forces to enhance plasma heat absorption, a custom-built heat exchanger to manage thermal equilibrium, and a high-flow cathode surge cooling system designed to quickly reduce temperatures between shots.
Benj Conway, CEO and co-founder of Zap Energy, has emphasized the importance of focusing on systems engineering within the context of fusion development. He notes that while many challenges have historically revolved around plasma behavior, the complexities of fusion energy systems extend into broader engineering considerations. This multi-faceted approach to technology integration offers a clearer path toward converting fusion energy into useful electricity while simultaneously addressing the operational constraints of the plasma itself.
Each shot from the Century system begins with power banks made of large-scale capacitors that draw energy from the electrical grid. This stored energy is then released in short, concentrated bursts to initiate the ionization of hydrogen gas within the vacuum chamber. While it is critical to note that Century operates with hydrogen or helium for its engineering validation—not fusion-grade deuterium-tritium fuel—this setup allows researchers to extract crucial data in a controlled environment.
As Century continues to enhance its capabilities, it has achieved remarkable milestones. Since its inception in June 2024, it has evolved from executing single shots every ten seconds with an average power output of around 1.4 kW to achieving one shot every five seconds with an average power of approximately 30 kW. This journey has been validated, as in February 2025, the Department of Energy certified the completion of a remarkable three-hour campaign during which Century produced over a thousand consecutive plasma shots. Such achievements underscore the robustness of the technology and the dedication of the team behind its implementation.
In a noteworthy publication, the journal Fusion Science and Technology has featured a paper detailing Century’s design and its commissioning runs, contributing to the academic community’s understanding of this innovative technology. This documentation allows for broader dissemination of the insights gained from operational phases and paves the way for collaborative exploration in the realm of fusion research.
Moving forward, Zap Energy is committed to continuing the exploration of vital technical questions surrounding Century as it gradually increases both the repetition rate and power levels. The ongoing evolution of the platform not only advances scientific understanding but also moves society closer to unlocking the potential of fusion energy as a sustainable power source.
The work done by Zap Energy epitomizes the innovative spirit of modern research in energy technology, marrying groundbreaking physics with practical engineering applications. As researchers and engineers worldwide look toward sustainable energy solutions, advancements such as those made by Century draw significant interest and hope for a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Century: Zap Energy’s 100-kW-Scale Repetitive Sheared-Flow-Stabilized Z-Pinch System with Liquid Metal Cooling
News Publication Date: 8-Sep-2025
Web References: Not available
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Image Credits: Credit: Zap Energy
Keywords
Fusion energy, Electrical power, Nuclear power plants, Alternative energy.
