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Finnish VTT in historic collaboration with US entities – commercial fusion energy closer than ever

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ESPOO, Finland, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VTT, based in Finland, has been selected as the first-ever foreign partner to join an ARPA-E research program funded by the US Department of Energy, focusing on enabling the commercialisation of fusion energy. Related to the collaboration, VTT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, US, have signed a memorandum of understanding for science and technology cooperation. Through these joint projects, VTT’s expertise will play a central role in global technology development.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has joined an ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy) program funded by the US Department of Energy, aiming to accelerate the commercial use of fusion energy. The collaboration aims to solve the challenges of materials needed in extreme conditions, which are a bottleneck in the commercialisation of fusion energy.

“Fusion energy is considered the ‘holy grail’ of clean energy, but issues with material durability have slowed breakthroughs for decades,” says Anssi Laukkanen, Research Professor at VTT.

What makes this collaboration particularly exceptional is that the US Department of Energy is directly funding the participation of a European research institution. ARPA-E is known for its top-tier research projects that focus on solving the biggest challenges in the energy sector. This is the first time the US Department of Energy has brought in a foreign partner to this project.

VTT brings its expertise in computational materials engineering and AI-based simulation methods to the initiative. These methods allow for testing the durability of materials in extreme conditions by simulating hundreds of millions of computational experiments.

“The traditional process of developing new materials can take decades. VTT’s simulation and AI technologies shorten the development cycles to months, allowing us to quickly discover, optimise and create case-specific materials tailored to a specific need,” Laukkanen explains.

The project focuses on developing materials for the first wall of fusion reactors, which must withstand extreme temperatures and radiation for several years. The lack of materials that meet these requirements has been a significant barrier to the commercial implementation of fusion reactors.

“Fusion energy has long been a vision that has always been said to be 50 years away. Now research is advancing to the point where the first commercial players expect applications in just 5-10 years from now. If successful, fusion energy could revolutionise energy production and help solve global climate challenges,” Laukkanen says.

VTT and LLNL collaborate to solve critical energy and sustainability issues

The collaboration between VTT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) aims to develop revolutionary solutions for both the energy market and sustainable development.

The collaboration covers five key research areas: biotechnology, critical materials and green technologies, quantum computing, energy materials and structural alloys and materials for fusion energy. The agreement is the result of VTT’s particularly strong expertise in developing materials and computational models for extreme conditions.

In material development, VTT uses unique AI-assisted VTT ProperTune computing and simulation technology, which has enabled the development of better material solutions, for example for fusion energy. VTT has also heavily invested in the development of quantum algorithms and software. These factors made VTT an attractive partner.

“The new agreement allows us to deepen our long-standing collaboration and advance research more systematically. Collaboration with a top-tier research institution like LLNL offers a unique opportunity to tackle the critical problems of our time,” says VTT CEO Antti Vasara.

VTT’s involvement in internationally significant research projects raises the profile of European technology in the United States and lays the foundation for new business opportunities in Europe as well.

“For us, this is not just about research, but also about bringing Finnish innovations to international markets. Now, we have an opportunity to be involved in developing new technologies with enormous market potential. The success of even one area could have significant impacts on economic growth,” says Tua Huomo, Executive Vice President of VTT’s sustainable products and materials business area.

Media material

https://vtt.contenthub.fi/ui/shares/w17367579/0l0wyAPYhY/en/ 

LLNL Deputy Director for Science and Technology Pat Falcone, right, and VTT Chief Executive Officer Antti Vasara, sign the MOU on Oct. 1. (Photo: Blaise Douros/LLNL)

For more information, please contact:
Anssi Laukkanen, Research Professor,
+358 40 820 8039, anssi.laukkanen@vtt.fi

Further information on VTT:
Satu Holm-Jumppanen
Manager, Communications
+358 50 305 4718, satu.holm-jumppanen@vtt.fi 
www.vtt.fi

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Finnish VTT in historic collaboration with US entities — commercial fusion energy closer than ever

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VTT LLNL MoU Signing 2024 1

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VTT LLNL MoU Signing 2024 2

 

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SOURCE VTT Info

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In HelloNation, Personal Injury Attorney Brad Altman of Wichita Falls Explains Why Timing Matters and What Attorneys Can Do

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WICHITA FALLS, Texas, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why is timing critical after an injury? An article in HelloNation highlights how quickly evidence can fade, weaken a claim, and impact the outcome of a case. Brad Altman, owner of Altman Legal Group, underscores that immediate action is essential because skid marks fade, property gets repaired, and security footage may be erased, while witnesses’ memories become less reliable over time.

The article explains that insurance companies often move quickly to gather evidence and protect their interests. Without early steps on the injured party’s side, important details may be lost. Attorneys step in to preserve evidence by securing accident reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and witness statements while they remain accessible. This early action builds a stronger case from the beginning.

Altman also points out that an attorney’s role extends far beyond filing paperwork. They analyze facts, identify gaps, and create a clear timeline that supports the client’s account. They also manage communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring that no statements are misinterpreted or used to reduce compensation. Acting early allows attorneys to control the narrative and prevent evidence from slipping away.

The difference between a strong and weak claim often comes down to timing. By involving an attorney early, injured individuals gain the benefit of preserved evidence and strategic preparation that supports their rights.

Why Timing Matters & What Attorneys Can Do features insights from Brad Altman, Personal Injury Attorney of Wichita Falls, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Nakheel awards contracts worth over AED 3.5 billion to build 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 27, 2026 /CNW/ — Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded contracts worth over AED 3.5 billion to Ginco General Contracting L.L.C and United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for the construction of 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Dubai‘s most significant waterfront developments.

Under the awarded contracts, Ginco will construct 354 villas across Fronds A to D, while UNEC will deliver 190 villas across Fronds E and F. Construction is scheduled to commence this quarter, with completion targeted for Q4 2028.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “The awarding of these contracts signals tangible progress in the delivery of Palm Jebel Ali, with construction now progressing across multiple fronds. As momentum continues to build, Palm Jebel Ali represents one of the most significant expansions of Dubai‘s urban coastline in a generation and will play a key role in supporting the emirate’s long-term growth, further strengthening its global appeal as a great place to live, invest and visit.”

Spanning seven islands across 13.4 kilometres, with 16 fronds and more than 90 kilometres of beachfront, Palm Jebel Ali is being developed as a world-class waterfront destination and a major contributor to Dubai‘s future urban expansion.

The latest contract awards represent continued progress against the Palm Jebel Ali masterplan and support the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the emirate’s long-term vision for sustainable, high-quality communities.

The awards follow the unveiling of Palm Jebel Ali’s Beach and Coral Collection villas, developed in collaboration with leading international architects. The destination will also include Palm Central Private Residences, offering a connected expression of island living that brings together architecture, community and resort-style comfort.

Further enhancing the island’s community infrastructure, Palm Jebel Ali will feature a 9,000 sqm retail centre and a Friday Mosque designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque will serve residents and visitors across the destination.

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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2966588/Palm_Jebel_Ali_Aerial_Render.jpg
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SOURCE Dubai Holding Real Estate

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STULZ USA and President, Brian Hatmaker, Nominated for Maryland Tech Council ICON Awards

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FREDERICK, Md., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STULZ USA, a leading provider of precision cooling and air handling solutions for mission-critical applications, is proud to announce that both the company and its President have been nominated for the Maryland Tech Council (MTC) ICON Awards.

STULZ USA has been nominated for Tech Company of the Year, while President Brian Hatmaker has been recognized as a nominee for CEO of the Year. The Maryland Tech Council seeks to celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across Maryland’s technology and life sciences communities.

STULZ USA plays a critical role in supporting the infrastructure that powers today’s digital economy. The company designs and domestically manufactures advanced climate control solutions that enable the reliable operation of data centers and other tech environments.

With its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations based in Frederick, Maryland, STULZ USA employs nearly 500 people and has been a longstanding contributor to the region’s manufacturing sector and economic development. The company’s solutions support IT closets, data centers, healthcare, telecommunications, and industrial applications.

“These nominations reflect the strength of our team, the trust of our customers, and our commitment to supporting the critical digital infrastructure that keeps businesses and communities connected,” said Brian Hatmaker, President of STULZ USA. “We are honored to be recognized by the Maryland Tech Council alongside so many innovative organizations and leaders.”

The Maryland Tech Council recently launched the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, an initiative focused on advancing public understanding of the data center industry’s economic contributions, workforce opportunities, and role in supporting digital infrastructure. As demand for data continues to grow, STULZ USA remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and scalable cooling solutions that help enable this evolving landscape.

The ICON Awards ceremony will take place on May 21, bringing together leaders and organizations from across the region to celebrate excellence and innovation.

About STULZ USA

STULZ USA is a globally recognized leader in precision cooling solutions, specializing in innovative and energy-efficient systems for mission-critical environments, including data centers, telecom facilities, and industrial applications. With a legacy spanning more than 75 years, STULZ combines deep engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing processes to deliver unmatched quality, reliability, and performance.

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SOURCE STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc.

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