Thea Energy Deploys Helios Stellarator Protocol
Thea Energy has completed preconceptual design specifications for Helios, a planar coil stellarator fusion architecture optimized for commercial deployment. The system represents a protocol-based approach to fusion energy generation, implementing software-controlled magnetic field arrays with dynamic adaptation capabilities.
Architecture Specifications
Helios operates on a 400 MW net electrical output with 1.1 GW thermal generation capacity. The system maintains an 8-meter major radius configuration, establishing the most compact optimized stellarator power plant architecture currently documented. All normalized plasma parameters have been validated through existing large-scale stellarator implementations.
The design implements quasi-axisymmetric stellarator topology, minimizing plasma shaping requirements and reducing hardware complexity. Capacity factor exceeds 85% through planar coil architecture enabling modular maintenance protocols. Toroidal sectors can be extracted with minimal unique component dependencies, supporting 40+ year operational lifetime parameters.
Technical Implementation
The system deploys the first tokamak-like X-point divertor in stellarator architecture, achieving 10x improved gas exhaust efficiency compared to legacy stellarator divertor systems. Heat exhaust protocols address previously unresolved stellarator operational challenges through simplified geometry implementation.
Superconducting coil arrays operate at maximum 20 Tesla magnetic field strength, within established HTS magnet performance parameters. Radial build specifications allocate over one meter space allocation for energy conversion blankets and radiation shielding, enabling 40+ year magnet lifetime projections.
Control Protocol
Helios implements programmable planar magnet arrays with individual coil control through software stack configuration. The system accounts for manufacturing tolerances, assembly variations, and operational wear parameters through algorithmic compensation protocols. AI integration enables performance optimization and system update deployment capabilities.
High-fidelity simulation results indicate minimal turbulent transport, reducing plasma heat leakage and enabling compact system architecture with reduced heating power requirements compared to alternative stellarator designs.
Development Timeline
Thea Energy targets Helios operational deployment in the 2030s following Eos demonstration system completion. Eos will validate power-plant-relevant steady-state fusion using simplified architecture protocols, scheduled for 2030 online status. Site selection for Eos deployment across five candidate states will be announced in 2026.
The completion represents fulfillment of DOE Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program requirements, accelerating commercial partnership formation with utility and offtake entities seeking cost-competitive baseload fusion power deployment.