Nuclear fusion firm eyes simpler, cheaper reactors with ‘electric gun’ tech

First Light Fusion, an Oxford-based company, is developing "projectile fusion" technology for nuclear fusion, which fires a high-speed projectile into nuclear fuel. This approach could make reactors cheaper and simpler than traditional designs. The company recently tested its "electric gun" in its test reactor, increasing the projectile's travel distance significantly. First Light faces competition from China, which claims to have sustained a fusion reaction for over 17 minutes. The UK government has allocated $506 million to support fusion projects, while First Light is reportedly close to securing $74 million in funding.