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Garching, July 17, 2025 – The new laser fusion experimental chamber “LION 2” was officially inaugurated today at the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications (CALA) at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Garching near Munich. With this addition, CALA now hosts one of the world’s most powerful facilities for researching laser-based nuclear fusion.
The expanded research facility marks a major milestone in the research partnership formed in 2022 between LMU and Munich-based laser fusion pioneer Marvel Fusion, aimed at advancing laser-based fusion energy. The Free State of Bavaria supported the newly completed laser center expansion with 2.5 million euros as part of its “Future Strategy for Research and Innovation.” Markus Blume, Bavarian State Minister of Science and the Arts, emphasized: “Laser meets future: With the new experimental chamber LION 2, we are opening a new chapter in laser fusion research on the path toward clean, safe, and reliable energy for the future. The Free State is deliberately investing in such breakthroughs – with our Master Plan for Nuclear Fusion, we are creating a platform for future-oriented research made in Bavaria.”
Moritz von der Linden, CEO of Marvel Fusion, stated: “Our goal is clear: we want to build the world’s first fusion power plant. The expanded CALA research facility and our new experimental chamber bring us a big step closer to that goal. As we move towards commercializing laser fusion, CALA offers ideal conditions to continue validating our technology. Germany urgently needs fusion energy as a safe, base-load-capable energy source, and we thank our partners at LMU and the Bavarian state government for working with us so successfully on this ‘moonshot’ project.”
Since 2022, LMU and Marvel Fusion have been jointly conducting experiments at CALA to explore and commercialize laser-based nuclear fusion. The new “LION 2” experimental chamber now allows for previously unfeasible experiments on laser-matter interaction and high-field ion acceleration. With these expanded capabilities, Marvel Fusion can validate critical parameters of its laser-based fusion technology. This new research platform is therefore a crucial building block on Marvel Fusion’s path to the first commercial fusion power plant. LMU President Professor Bernd Huber said: “Laser physics at LMU Munich has long conducted globally recognized basic research with forward-looking applications in diverse areas. This also forms the foundation for numerous spin-offs and collaborations with companies in emerging technological fields, such as Marvel Fusion.” Stefan Karsch, Group Leader of the High Field Lasers and Applications Group (HiFLAG) at CALA, added: “From the perspective of LMU/CALA, we see a clear win-win situation. The new experimental chamber and the enhancements to the laser system also benefit CALA’s core research goals, particularly in laser-based particle acceleration for medical purposes.”
The “LION 2” experimental chamber is also further proof of growing political support for laser-based fusion research. The German federal government in its coalition agreement committed to expand funding for fusion research and commercialization, including through milestone-based funding programs. In parallel, the Bavarian state government is advancing the topic with its “Master Plan for Nuclear Fusion”: The Free State is investing around 100 million euros in research, new professorships, and the development of a Bavarian fusion ecosystem. The new experimental chamber at CALA can make important contributions to this strategy. CALA also strengthens Bavaria’s position as a leading location for fusion research in Germany.
Press Contact
Dr. Saskia Horsch
Director Corporate Affairs
saskia.horsch@marvelfusion.com
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