Physics & Fusion Science
Fusion Fuel Cycles Compared
There is no single best fusion fuel — only the right fuel for the job. Kronos runs two of them, on purpose.
The Kronos thesis is that fuel should follow purpose. The breeder uses neutron-rich D–T to make tritium and neutrons; the burner uses low-neutron D–³He to make electricity cleanly and directly.
| D–T | Highest reactivity; 79.7% neutrons; breeds tritium |
|---|---|
| D–³He | Low-neutron (5.44%); direct conversion; needs 90 keV |
| D–D | Deuterium-only; no breeding; highest performance demand |
The strategy'Fuel follows purpose, not platform' — the breeder and burner are optimised for different fuels because they do different jobs.
Common questions
Why does Kronos use two different fuels?
Fuel follows purpose. The breeder uses neutron-rich D–T to make fuel and isotopes; the burner uses low-neutron D–³He to make firm power via direct conversion. Each fuel is matched to what the machine sells.
Which fuel is 'best'?
There is no universal best — D–T is easiest but neutron-heavy; D–³He is cleaner but far harder to ignite and needs scarce helium-3. Kronos treats the choice as application-specific, not ideological.