Norm
TAE's FRC research machine, modified from Norman, tests formation, heating and stabilization using neutral beams alone to support future power-plant development.
Read the Japanese original
Project profile
Research results, fusion power, net electricity generation and commercialization are distinguished. Future operating dates and power levels are targets announced by the operator.
- Official name
- Norm
- Operator
- TAE Technologies
- Operator type
- Private company
- Host country
- United States
- Host location
- California, United States (installation city not established by the reviewed sources)
- Category
- Research device
- Technical approach
- FRC・Neutral beam injection
- Development stage
- Research operation
Development stage note: The current FAQ calls it the current experimental machine, and experimental results have been published.
Research and development objectives
Form FRC plasma with neutral beams alone and test machine configuration and plasma performance.
Verified milestones
- 2025-04-15 · Achievement or implementation verified
Results on forming FRC plasma using only neutral beams in Norm announced.
Announced future targets
- Target date not verified · Announced target (not achieved)
Operation at a plasma temperature of 100 million °C is planned. No achievement deadline was verified.
Published technical specifications
| Item | Published value | Meaning, conditions and sources of values |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | approximately 12 m | Machine description in the current FAQ |
Companies with verified involvement
- TAE Technologies (Japanese)：Operator / developer
Related in-depth FI articles
No existing article focused on this project has been verified.
Verification scope and classification notes
- A California facility is confirmed. The announcement location, Foothill Ranch, is not assumed to be the machine's installation city.
- The current FAQ calls it the current experimental machine, and experimental results have been published.
- Editorial classification of the purpose described in official sources; not necessarily the operator's formal classification.
- Matched to existing public company IDs. Roles are limited to those supported by the cited official sources.
- No item was verified in this review. This does not establish that none exists or that it is undisclosed.
- A future target announced by the developer, not an achieved result.
- Achieved values, design values and targets are distinguished in the basis field.
- The current timeline says Copernicus is no longer needed. Plans for Copernicus remaining in an April 2025 release are not adopted as current targets.
Official project information ↗
- FAQ: Company（TAE Technologies）
Verified: 2026-10-12 - TAE Technologies Delivers Fusion Breakthrough that Dramatically Reduces Cost of a Future Power Plant（TAE Technologies）
Announced: 2025-04-15 ／ Verified: 2026-10-12 - History of Innovation（TAE Technologies）
Verified: 2026-10-12
Last verified: 2026/10/12 20:22:07 (Japan time)
Research and development purpose
Form FRC plasma with neutral beams alone and test machine configuration and plasma performance.
Research stages, achievements, announced targets and technical specifications are organized in the project profile above. Check the sources for each item.
Official information from related companies and research institutions
Check each organization’s announcements for development progress and technical documentation.