Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
As one of the largest institutional investors in venture capital in Australia, Hostplus is proud to back companies that aim to produce environmentally friendly energy. That's why we're investing in fusion technology.
What's fusion technology?
Fusion technology is an exciting field of physics and engineering that could produce the most efficient form of energy ever.
Unlike fission energy, which is the process used in the generation of energy from conventional nuclear reactors, fusion energy is a different nuclear-based process that has the potential to produce clean, carbon emission-free power, without the by-product of radioactive material.
Fusion energy is the same energy the sun generates. Arguably, fusion is the ultimate renewable energy, as it promises unlimited, clean energy that the world desperately needs.
Given its potential, we’ve invested in two different approaches to generating fusion energy.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
The first of these approaches has been developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a company that was spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2018 and has grown significantly in a very short space of time
CFS is developing a new generation of high-temperature superconducting magnets, to be used in smaller, more economical fusion reactors. Our investment will accelerate CFS’ path towards commercial fusion energy.
First Light Fusion
The second approach is being developed by First Light Fusion, a company focused on the “inertial confinement” approach to generating fusion energy. This approach involves firing very high velocity projectiles at specially shaped fuel pellets, called targets. The impact creates a shock wave that compresses and heats the fuel to the point that a fusion reaction occurs.
First Light Fusion originated from Oxford University in 2011. It aims to develop commercially viable and sustainable forms of power generation using this technology.
Sustainable long-term returns
Hostplus has invested over $3 billion to venture capital investments, including in companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems and First Light Fusion.
If you’re in our Balanced (MySuper) option, part of your money may be invested in companies developing technology and solutions that can help the transition to a low-carbon economy.
What’s more, companies that are developing sustainable solutions are delivering competitive returns over the long term, which means we can deliver the best retirement outcomes for our members.
Our position on climate change
Find out more about our response to the challenges posed by climate change.
The information in this article is correct as at time of publication.
This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Please read the relevant Hostplus Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), available at hostplus.com.au/pds before making a decision about Hostplus. For a description of the target market, please read the Target Market Determination (TMD), available at hostplus.com.au/ddo.
Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890, MySuper No 68657 495 890 198.