Contribute to the social realization of fusion energy through stably securing of beryllium
About MiRESSO
MiRESSO Co.,Ltd. is a fusion startup certified by the National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology (QST) in Japan.
Fusion power generation, which is being developed around the world, requires large amounts of beryllium (Be) as a neutron multiplier. However, beryllium is expected to become a bottleneck to the widespread use of fusion power generation because of its overwhelming shortage at current production levels and its high price.
The low-temperature refining technology invented by Masaru Nakamichi and his colleagues at MiRESSO Co.,Ltd. has made it possible to refine mineral resources at a revolutionary low cost and energy saving, instead of the expensive high-temperature processing that was previously required. Our vision is to contribute to the social realization of fusion energy near future by providing a stable and low-cost supply of beryllium through this technology.
Why beryllium is essential for fusion?
Fusion reactions are caused by ultrafast collisions of deuterium and tritium in plasma. However, tritium is rarely found naturally thus it has to be self-generated in the blanket.
This requires beryllium (neutron multiplier), which doubles the number of neutrons.
Business Overview
Beryllium production and sales business
We are currently advancing the development of our pilot plant, BETA (Beryllium Testing Plant in Aomori), which utilizes our low-temperature refining technology. Full-scale production and commercial distribution of beryllium are scheduled to commence in FY2027.
Beryllium is known for its superior properties such as high mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity and lightweight materials. While it plays a vital role in nuclear fusion, it is also widely used in existing industries such as aerospace, medical imaging systems, and electronic components.
Our technology significantly reduces production costs, enabling us to offer beryllium at a fraction of the current market price. This breakthrough is expected to not only strengthen our competitiveness in emerging fields like fusion energy but also to expand its applications in traditional markets.
[BETA Overview]
Location: 5-2 Toyamashinden, Kawaragi, Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Facility Size: Approx. 300 m²
Target for Commercial Operation: By the end of FY2027
Conceptual Design Rendering: See below
Technology Platform Business
We plan to use our low-temperature refining technology to jointly develop refining for materials other than beryllium and recycling of mineral resources, to consulting, and to license our technologies.
Our technology can be used for materials that require high temperature heat treatment, such as rare earth, lithium, and ceramics.
We also accept requests for feasibility verification, so please feel free to contact us.
Low-temperature refining technology
Currently, in order to refine beryllium, it is necessary to dissolve the ore at high temperatures in excess of 2,000℃ (3,632℉), a refining process that is expensive and emits large amounts of CO2.
Our technology makes it possible to dissolve at a low temperature of 300℃ (572℉) and under normal pressure by using an alkaline reagents and microwave heating.
Below is a comparison of our low-temperature refining technology and conventional technology regarding CAPEX, OPEX, and CO2 emissions for lithium ore refining.
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