In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Scott Mercer, Founder and CEO of Focused Energy,  about the future of nuclear fusion. They explore how laser-driven fusion, inspired by breakthroughs at Lawrence Livermore Labs, could offer limitless clean power by the 2030s. From physics to commercialization, Mercer shares how Focused Energy plans to bring fusion to the grid—and why this could be a game-changer for climate tech and global energy.

What you will learn:

Scott Mercer is the CEO of Focused Energy, a pioneering company developing commercial nuclear fusion technology for energy generation. With a remarkable background in clean technology, he previously founded and led Volta, an EV charging company, for 13 years before its acquisition by Shell. Under his leadership, Focused Energy has raised over $175 million and is advancing laser-driven fusion technology similar to what achieved ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Labs. Scott brings unique expertise in scaling complex infrastructure projects and transitioning scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications. His vision for fusion energy as the ultimate solution for clean, abundant power generation, combined with his experience in building successful clean technology companies, positions him as a leading voice in the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.