Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) technology in the field of controlled nuclear fusion, highlighting its potential as a leading candidate for commercialization due to its simplicity, lower costs, and operational advantages compared to traditional magnetic confinement methods [4][6][7]. Group 1: FRC Technology Overview - Controlled nuclear fusion can be categorized into magnetic confinement and inertial confinement, with magnetic confinement being the dominant approach, including FRC as a promising technology [4]. - FRC is a compact toroidal structure that utilizes the interaction between plasma and magnetic fields to confine plasma, offering advantages such as high beta ratio, ease of transfer, and direct electricity generation [4][6]. - The operational mechanism of FRC involves forming a self-sustaining plasma ring and compressing it for fusion, with ongoing research focused on optimizing magnetic field configurations and plasma transport [6][7]. Group 2: Advantages of FRC - FRC technology does not rely on external heating sources, which simplifies the system and reduces engineering challenges [7][8]. - It effectively maintains plasma stability and extends controlled time, making it easier to engineer and reducing overall system size and costs [8]. Group 3: FRC Technical Routes - There are two main technical routes for achieving fusion with FRC: magnetized target FRC and quasi-steady-state FRC, each with its own challenges and advancements [13]. - The magnetized target FRC involves pulsing compression to achieve fusion conditions, while the quasi-steady-state FRC uses neutral beam injection to maintain stability [13][14]. Group 4: Applications of FRC Technology - TAE Technologies and Helion Energy are leading companies utilizing FRC technology, with TAE focusing on stable plasma generation and Helion aiming to create a commercial fusion power plant by 2028 [18][21]. - LINEA Innovations in Japan is also developing FRC technology, targeting commercial fusion by the early 2030s [22][28]. - The Chinese company Hanhai Fusion is working on linear FRC technology, emphasizing low-cost and rapid iteration for future commercial fusion power [29].