Realta Fusion, a Wisconsin-based startup, has demonstrated direct electricity generation from a fusion reaction using its WHAM demonstration device. On June 19, the experiment successfully powered lightbulbs by harvesting electricity from alpha particles — charged helium nuclei produced in deuterium-tritium fusion reactions — without using a steam turbine. The company claims to be the first private company to publicly demonstrate this. Direct energy conversion is estimated to be about 90% efficient compared to ~33% for steam turbines, and on a commercial scale could boost total plant output by 20–30% by recirculating electricity to heat the plasma. Realta is currently raising a new funding round following its $36M Series A in 2025.
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