#115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion cover art

#115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion

#115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion, about the promise and progress of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution. The discussion touches on the mounting pressure of rising global energy demand and why nuclear, specifically fusion, could be a game-changing response. Kieran explains the fundamental differences between nuclear fission and fusion, the risks and legacy of fission reactors, and the promise of fusion technologies that don’t carry the same waste or meltdown threats. He also explains Realta’s modular, cylindrical “magnetic mirror” design that offers a simpler, more scalable path to fusion energy.

Key Points:

  • Fusion Could Be the Energy Breakthrough the World Needs: With abundant hydrogen fuel, no long-term waste, and no risk of runaway reactions, fusion offers a clean, scalable solution to meet rising global energy demand.
  • Realta Fusion Uses a Simpler, Cylindrical Magnetic Mirror Design: Unlike the complex donut-shaped tokamaks and stellarators, Realta’s straight-line magnetic mirror system is modular, easier to build, and designed for practical deployment.
  • A Commercial Fusion Plant Is Targeted for the Mid-2030s: Realta aims to build its first commercial-scale system by the mid-2030s, with some other startups pushing for even earlier timelines.

  • Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion
  • Kieran’s LinkedIn
  • Realta Fusion's LinkedIn
  • Realta Fusion's Magnetic Mirror Technology


  • Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn


  • Previous episodes mentioned:
  • #26: The Forever Fuel in Nuclear Fusion
  • #6: To Nuclear or Not

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

Visit our website for more episodes!

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!

We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!

Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our

What listeners say about #115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.