Readiness and Timeline FAQ
Direct answers to the common honest questions about MetroVolt’s status, dates, gates, and what has and has not been demonstrated.
Plain answers
Is MetroVolt built?
No. MetroVolt is a design and simulation study. No MetroVolt unit exists, and the burner core has not yet been built as an integrated test machine. The first integrated burner hardware is the test unit targeted near 2032.
Has it demonstrated net power?
No. No fusion machine, MetroVolt included, has demonstrated net electric output. There is no hardware net-gain claim before the breeder’s first-of-a-kind milestone, and no burner net-electric claim before the ~2032 test unit measures it.
Why is the breeder built first?
The breeder delivers value on fusion gain alone (Q_sci 3.424, 88.7 MW fusion power) and de-risks shared magnets, cryogenics, controls, and helium-3 supply. The burner then attempts the harder net-electric goal on proven foundations.
What are the biggest open questions?
- Whether the tandem-mirror plug confines at feasible β (load-bearing physics).
- Whether high-field plug magnets (26.49 T) can be built and sustained reliably.
- Whether direct energy conversion reaches useful efficiency at scale.
- Whether fleet-scale helium-3 fuel can be secured.
Are the dates guaranteed?
No. Test unit ~2032 and commercial fleet ~2036 are plan targets, contingent on breeder progress and on clearing the gates above. A failed gate moves the date; physics is not negotiated against a calendar.