World Construction Network

Daily Newsletter

09 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Germany-based laser fusion developer Marvel Fusion and Colorado State University (CSU) in the US have entered a partnership to build a high-power laser and fusion research facility at CSU's Foothills Campus, US.

This public-private partnership is worth $150m and will serve as a platform to advance Marvel's fusion approach.

The development of laser fusion and its potential as a new power source is seen as essential as it can significantly lower the carbon footprint of how energy is delivered globally.

Marvel CEO Moritz von der Linden said: “This public-private partnership sets the global standard for laser-based fusion research, propelling the development of a safe, clean, and reliable energy source. It is an incredible step forward for Marvel Fusion and a testament to our success and vision.

“Working with the world-class team at CSU over the past two years has been invaluably productive. We are immensely grateful for the trust and support of CSU, the state of Colorado, and the US Department of Energy’s ongoing support through the LaserNetUS programme.”

The project is expected to begin yielding results after its completion in 2026.

The finished development will include three laser systems, each boasting a multi-petawatt peak power and an ultrafast repetition rate of ten flashes per second.

CSU president Amy Parsons said: “The project also would [once complete] drive meaningful, long-term economic and reputational benefits to Fort Collins and the state.”

ESG 2.0 marks a shift towards stricter environmental rules

ESG is moving into a different era, which we call ESG 2.0. While ESG 1.0 was driven by voluntary corporate action, spurred by pressure from activist consumers and investors, ESG 2.0 is being driven by a new wave of government policies. The EU has taken the regulatory lead, with rules introduced or in the pipeline that will price emissions, regulate the use of the terms ‘ESG’ and ‘sustainability’ in marketing materials, and make ESG reporting mandatory. The US has taken a different approach, favoring less regulation and more financial support in the form of tax breaks for clean industry (renewables plus nuclear and hydrogen). China is planning to expand its emissions trading system to more sectors, decarbonize its heavy industry, and ramp up its use of renewables. The new policy direction is mainly motivated by the ambition to hit net zero emissions targets. But on top of this, governments are now competing for clean industry and trying to challenge China’s leadership on the production of the world’s green technologies such as solar panels and batteries, as well as the production and refinement of materials needed for energy transition such as lithium. These driving forces are leading to policy that will impact every sector, not just heavy industry, and will keep ESG near the top of the regulatory agenda over the longer term.