Zap Energy ramps up the pressure in its latest fusion device

“We’re really just getting started with FuZE-3,” says Zap VP of R&D Ben Levitt. “We have plenty of headroom to continue making rapid progress in fusion performance.”

Further details are being presented this week at the #APSDPP2025 meeting and the team plans to publish FuZE-3 results in the scientific literature in the coming months.

FuZE-3 is Zap’s first device to incorporate a third electrode to separate the forces that drive plasma acceleration and compression. FuZE-3 is similar in design to previous FuZE devices but unique in its three-electrode configuration with two locations for pulsed power inputs.

Zap’s highest electron pressure measurement to date is 830 MPa. Assuming the temperature of the electrons and ions is about equal, the total plasma pressure is double, or 1.6 GPa. That’s 10,000x atmospheric pressure and 10x the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

While some fusion machines strive for the highest pressures that can possibly be attained, others rely on longer confinement times to make up for low pressure. Zap’s SFS Z pinches aim for a middle ground that balances both compression and confinement. https://t.co/nH0a27eBMo

Reaching high pressures, a measurement that combines temperature with density, is essential in fusion because the higher the plasma pressure, the more fusion reactions occur and produce energy. This video shows the plasma compressing inside FuZE-3.

We have now achieved plasmas with pressures as high as 1.6 GPa, comparable to the pressures found deep below Earth’s crust. Introducing the latest Zap reactor, FuZE-3...

While some fusion machines strive for the highest pressures that can possibly be attained, others rely on longer confinement times to make up for low pressure. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinches aim for a middle ground that balances both compression and confinement.

Reaching high pressures, a measurement that combines temperature with density, is essential in fusion because the higher the plasma pressure, the more fusion reactions occur and produce energy. This video shows the plasma compressing inside FuZE-3.

We’re pleased to announce that Marvi Matos Rodriguez has joined Zap Energy as Senior Vice President of Technology. She brings exceptional leadership in complex systems engineering from the highest levels of aerospace innovation, with a commitment to safety and technical

Our latest blog post features Zap's Head of IP Asmita Chande, who draws on nearly two decades of experience in IP law and best practices to balance the benefits of peer-reviewed research with value generation and strategic IP protection. https://t.co/80VrKUqWTG

A huge shout out to @SenatorCantwell for her continued leadership in fusion development, and to her cosponsor @SenJohnCurtis of Utah. The Fusion Advanced Manufacturing Parity Act encourages fusion companies to build and helps give an edge to the U.S. as international competition

Our latest theory paper covers the physics at the core of our Z pinches and other high-beta plasmas, an important advance for predictive modeling. It's currently an editor's pick in #PhysicsofPlasmas.

To achieve commercial fusion power, we must tackle critical science and technology gaps as well as define essential milestones. With the input of 600+ stakeholders, the new Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap provides a national strategy for fusion: https://t.co/GQM456P2J2

Let's do it!

Nuclear fusion has the potential to REVOLUTIONIZE the energy industry—this administration is committed to advancing fusion innovation to one day harness American-made fusion power, ensuring America LEADS in global energy dominance.

The first round of our morning sessions just wrapped up at the #FusionSummit! Here are a few key takeaways from the sessions: • The US private sector leads in innovation, but must significantly ramp up public investment in R&D infrastructure and talent development to compete

There is a global race to deploy commercial fusion energy - and there’s no time for governments to wait. The @scsp_ai report, "Fusion Forward: Powering America’s Future," says just this, urging the U.S. government to take strategic action and lead. https://t.co/JjIkYaiKYb

The race for fusion energy is heating up, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Today, #SCSPTech's Commission on the Scaling of Fusion Energy released its new report, "Fusion Forward: Powering America's Future," revealing the bold and necessary roadmap for U.S. investments to win