# Zap Energy

> Zap Energy develops compact nuclear energy systems using sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion, sodium-cooled modular fission reactors and prospective fusion-fission hybrids. Founded in 2017, it is pursuing shared liquid-metal cooling and plant systems across these technologies; its public milestones concern research devices and designs, rather than commercial electricity delivery.

- **Founded:** 2017
- **Headquarters:** Everett, United States
- **Founders:** Benj Conway (President & Co-founder (formerly CEO)), Uri Shumlak (Chief Scientist & Co-founder), Brian A. Nelson (Distinguished Technology Fellow & Co-founder)
- **Products:** FuZE-Q, Century, FuZE-3, Zap Modular Reactor (ZMR), Fusion power module
- **Notable:** Company reported thermonuclear fusion in 2018., FuZE research reported 1-3 keV electron temperatures in 2024, approximately 11-37 million degrees Celsius., DOE certified 1,080 Century plasma shots at 0.1 Hz over three hours in February 2025.

## Products & services

- **FuZE-Q** — Experimental Z-pinch fusion device used to advance plasma performance; first plasmas announced in 2022.
- **Century** — Engineering test platform integrating repetitive pulsed power, circulating liquid-metal walls and electrode protection. Uses ordinary hydrogen and does not produce fusion reactions.
- **FuZE-3** — Three-electrode, two-capacitor-bank experimental fusion device separating plasma acceleration and compression.
- **Zap Modular Reactor (ZMR)** — Sodium-cooled modular fission reactor design using uranium-zirconium metallic fuel, targeting up to 25 MW electric per module; not an operating commercial product.
- **Fusion power module** — Preconceptual plant design targeting approximately 50 MW net electrical output per module, with liquid-metal systems and a tritium fuel cycle.
- **Fusion-fission hybrid** — Proposed system using fusion neutrons to drive reactions in surrounding fission fuel, with potential spent-fuel applications; development concept.

## Achievements

- Company reported thermonuclear fusion in 2018.
- FuZE research reported 1-3 keV electron temperatures in 2024, approximately 11-37 million degrees Celsius.
- DOE certified 1,080 Century plasma shots at 0.1 Hz over three hours in February 2025.
- FuZE-3 reported 830 MPa peak electron pressure in 2025; approximately 1.6 GPa total pressure is inferred assuming similar electron and ion temperatures.
- DOE approved preconceptual fusion plant design report milestone in May 2026.
- Third-generation bismuth loop passed 1,000 hours of flowing operation in August 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Philip Jensen appointed Vice President of Fuel Programs and Operations on September 30.
- **2026-08** — Bismuth loop passed 1,000 flowing hours with one metric ton of metal at 400°C; company reported safe automatic drainage during a July outage.
- **2026-05** — DOE approved the preconceptual fusion pilot plant design report milestone.
- **2026-04** — Zabrina Johal appointed CEO, Benj Conway moved to President, and the company formalized its integrated fission-and-fusion strategy.

## Links

- Website: https://www.zapenergy.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zap-energy/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/Zap_Energy
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zap_Energy

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/zap-energy
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-06