Munich/Tokyo – October 29, 2026 -- Proxima Fusion and Japan's Fujikura signed a memorandum of understanding to explore industrial-scale production of high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tape in Germany, anchored by planned demand of 60,000 kilometers from Proxima's own fusion projects. The MoU was signed in Tokyo in the presence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The production site is planned for Lower Saxony. The plant is meant to close a central gap in Europe's fusion supply chain, since HTS tape is currently made mostly outside Europe.
Proxima's demand totals 60,000 km of HTS tape for two machines
Proxima Fusion expects to need about 20,000 kilometers of HTS tape for its Alpha demonstrator and another 40,000 kilometers for the planned Stellaris power plant. This makes the Munich-based company an anchor customer for a German production ramp-up. Alpha is designed to demonstrate net energy gain in the early 2030s, while Stellaris is targeted as the world's first commercial stellarator fusion plant in the 2030s.
Proxima argues that predictable long-term offtake volumes are needed to build capacity, develop manufacturing know-how and lower the cost per meter. HTS tape is used in compact, high-performance magnets that generate the strong magnetic fields stellarators require.
Lower Saxony funding hinges on Proxima finding a tape-manufacturing partner
The MoU follows an agreement between the state of Lower Saxony and Proxima Fusion reached a few weeks ago. The state's pledged funding for the plant is tied, among other conditions, to Proxima securing a project partner with HTS tape manufacturing expertise. The source does not disclose the size of the funding.
Fujikura will contribute its HTS technology and manufacturing know-how to examine the feasibility of a supply platform in Germany and across Europe, according to CEO Naoki Okada. The company sees the partnership as a chance to add industrial manufacturing in Europe to its HTS business.
Proxima CEO says fusion supply chain must precede the power plant
Proxima co-founder and CEO Francesco Sciortino said the supply chain has to be in place years before a fusion plant itself. He framed the Fujikura deal as pairing long-term demand with established production expertise. Proxima has about 200 employees and an Alpha Alliance of more than 50 industry partners.
Both sides cite economic security and resilient supply chains as shared priorities for Japan and Germany. They expect worldwide demand for fusion-grade HTS tape to require substantial additional production capacity as projects move from research to power plant operation.
HTS tape output could also serve grids, medical imaging and propulsion
The companies say a plant in Lower Saxony would add European production capacity and keep manufacturing know-how and value creation close to European fusion projects. HTS can also be used in high-performance power grids, medical imaging and therapy, and advanced propulsion systems, opening opportunities for other high-tech sectors and their suppliers.