EX-Fusion is developing advanced laser fusion technology, utilising hydrogen isotopes to generate safe, sustainable, and reliable energy for power generation.
Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion was in Melbourne overnight for the announcement as part of the Australia-Japan Business Co-Operation Committee Joint Conference.
Laser fusion energy is being hailed as a game changer in achieving Australia’s carbon neutrality objective by 2050, as it will aid in responding to load changes and meeting market needs while decarbonising existing energy sources.
EX-Fusion aspires to cut carbon emissions by 14.49 billion tonnes – comparable to 2% of global emissions – through commercialising fusion energy and collaborating with industry by 2050.
The company, led by Dr. Kazuki Matsuo, draws on more than 50 years of research at Osaka University to produce the technology, which is becoming increasingly sought after.
“EX-Fusion has chosen South Australia to head up its operations in Australia for its proximity to innovative high-tech industries, its agile market access capabilities and the ability to work closely with government and research in a dedicated incubator environment,” Dr Matsuo said.
Last year, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists successfully produced more energy from a fusion experiment than initially planned, breaking a significant barrier in nuclear fusion.
Invest SA collaborates with EX-Fusion, attracting South Australia due to its first mover advantage, the South Australian Government‘s Hydrogen Jobs Plan, legislative framework, and industry development opportunities.
The company also sees bio-medical sectors and partnerships with SAHMRI 2, the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, as promising.
The company plans to establish a fully-owned subsidiary in South Australia by the end of the year.
“For EX-Fusion to choose to call South Australia its home away from home, is testament to the innovative environment we’ve created in our State’s Capital,” Minister Champion said.
According to Minister Champion, South Australia’s renewable energy credentials align with EX-Fusion’s aim to support and grow the State’s hydrogen economy.
“This investment along with the endorsement that has been provided by the Japanese Government – one of our biggest trading partners – creates significant opportunities for our local industries,” he stated.
“The company’s cutting-edge green technology will support our transition to net zero as we work towards producing and delivering a global supply of clean hydrogen,” he added.
To help prepare for the move, EX-Fusion executed a memorandum of understanding in December 2022 with laser fusion firm HB-11 Energy and the University of Adelaide to assist and accelerate laser and photonic research through joint facilities.
This week, the Nikkei Asia reported on EX-Fusion’s agreement with Electro Optic Systems, which was endorsed by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Yasutoshi Nishimura, to pilot technology to track space junk, describing it as “a jumping-off point (for the Japanese Government) to expand cooperation with Australia.”
