Mr. Ikeda, former Director of the Quantum Energy Division at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, has joined Microwave Chemical as a technical advisor

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

Microwave Chemical Co.,Ltd. (“MWCC”) is pleased to announce that it has strengthened its technical team with the appointment of Mr. Yoshitaka Ikeda as a technical advisor. Mr. Ikeda, who served as the Director of the Quantum Energy Division at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology until last year, was involved in the development of plasma heating systems using high-power microwaves for fusion energy research and development. Mr. Ikeda’s experience and expertise in microwave oscillators (“oscillators”) and fusion energy will help MWCC accelerate the development of high-power oscillators.

MWCC is advancing large-scale projects such as the metal smelting/mining process, including steel manufacturing, turquoise hydrogen production, and naphtha cracking, which are positioned as key businesses in our growth strategy. High-power oscillators are essential for the extensive implementation of microwaves in these projects.

Klystrons and gyrotrons, despite being high-power oscillators, come with high costs and low conversion efficiency of electricity to microwaves (“conversion efficiency”). On the flip side, magnetrons, which are frequently used, offer low costs and high conversion efficiency, but their output is capped at 100 kW.

To achieve the widespread implementation of microwaves in large-scale plants, there is a need for low-cost, high-power, and high-conversion efficiency oscillators. MWCC has been intensifying its development efforts since FY2023. Our goal is to build a cooperative system both internally and externally, recognizing that a robust network of stakeholders is crucial for success.

With Mr. Ikeda, who possesses extensive expertise in high-power oscillators and strong industry connections, joining our team, we will expedite the development process. We aim to complete the development of oscillators in the 500 kW to 1 MW range by 2030.

Additionally, to further expand our business, we will seek Mr. Ikeda’s advice on the fusion field, where he has been deeply involved for many years.

By developing infrastructure related to microwaves, we aim to strengthen our technology platform and achieve the global standardization of microwave processes.

Biography:

Mr. Ikeda completed the Master’s program in Nuclear Engineering at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University in 1982. Joined the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, engaged in the development of high-frequency heating systems. Earned a Doctorate in Engineering in 1993. In 2018, got appointed as Director of the Rokkasho Research Institute, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology. In 2021, appointed Director of the Naka Fusion Institute. In 2022, appointed Director of the Quantum Energy Division. In 2023, retired from the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology.