Dr. Jean-Paul Biberian: Lifelong Explorations in Energy

From researching solid-state fusion in secret as a scientist at Berkeley to now spending “retirement” in his own private laboratory, Jean-Paul has spent the last three decades exploring this field. At the root of his passion for solid-state fusion is exploration — he’s motivated by the strange, unexplained occurrences, the potential far-reaching applications, and the scientific challenge it presents. Jean-Paul’s lifelong exploration of solid-state fusion inspires us to keep learning and discover more

Jean-Paul's solid-state fusion journey began when he discovered his passion for hands-on science and a deep curiosity for understanding how things worked. While he initially explored various scientific disciplines like engineering, it was his fascination with experimental physics and research that he ultimately wanted to explore. In 1989 when he learned about Fleischmann and Pons’ cold fusion breakthrough, what Jean-Paul calls the “discovery of the century”, he knew he wanted to be a part of it.

After meeting with Francis Forrat, an engineer at the French Atomic Energy Commission in Cadarache in 1993, Jean-Paul had the opportunity to start work in solid-state fusion at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) in Berkeley. Forrat had innovative ideas about pursuing LENR doing electrolysis at high temperature with solid-state crystals instead of electrolysis in water-based electrolytes. Eager to contribute to this exciting field, Jean-Paul collaborated with Forrat on experiments where he could use his background in surface science. These experiments yielded positive results, fueling Jean-Paul's unwavering passion for exploring solid-state fusion, a journey that has continued for over three decades.

During the years following the 1989 discovery, discussing cold fusion was considered taboo. Jean-Paul likened the sentiments of the time to cold fusion being as otherworldly and outlandish as UFOs. Undeterred, Jean-Paul pursued his research in secret, driven by a belief in the immense significance of this discovery and passion for scientific exploration. He was determined to be a part of something monumental, comparing it to meeting someone as influential as Jesus in the year 31.

Jean-Paul’s first experiments at the LBL in 1993 needed a data acquisition system, but as his work was done unofficially, Jean-Paul “employed” his two teenage children. One was reading the voltage, and the other one reading the current. He obtained good enough data that convinced him there was something abnormal happening. For a while, commitment to his scientific pursuit became a family affair.

During the years following the 1989 discovery, discussing cold fusion was considered taboo. Undeterred, Jean-Paul pursued his research in secret, driven by a belief in the immense significance of this discovery and passion for scientific exploration. He was determined to be a part of something monumental.

Despite facing initial skepticism, Jean-Paul's dedication to his work eventually caught the attention of French scientist George Lochampt, who served as the editor-in-chief of a journal open to publishing solid-state fusion papers. He saw Jean-Paul’s results and didn’t believe them at first, but instead of just dismissing his results, Lochampt invited him to conduct experiments in his lab in France. With his reactor in his suitcase, Jean-Paul went back to France and they did experiments in Grenoble for four years together.

After Lochampt's retirement, Jean-Paul relocated his equipment to Marseille, where he held a position at the university. Even in "retirement," his passion for scientific exploration remained undiminished. He set up a laboratory in his house, allowing him to continue conducting experiments. To Jean-Paul, retirement was merely a concept; he reveled in the joy of his work, sometimes teasing his wife about her desire for vacations when he found his lab to be the ultimate paradise. He says, “It’s not work, I’m on vacation all the time.”

[Jean-Paul] set up a laboratory in his house, allowing him to continue conducting experiments. To Jean-Paul, retirement was merely a concept; he reveled in the joy of his work. “It’s not work, I’m on vacation all the time.”

Jean-Paul's love for the field of solid-state fusion stems from the inherent excitement it offers. He considers it the most thrilling field one can be in, not only due to the strange phenomena he has encountered throughout his career, but also the scientific challenge it presents. For him, this is a scientific revolution, and he’s thrilled to be a part of it.

“I mean, the scientific revolution doesn’t come everyday. It’s really maybe once or twice a century maximum, you know? So this is a revolution. It’s great to be part of it.”

Furthermore, Jean-Paul is deeply motivated by the vast potential applications of solid-state fusion. The ability to generate abundant, easily accessible energy worldwide holds tremendous significance. Working towards such a goal feels like contributing to the future of humanity, a challenge that he finds truly compelling.

Among Jean-Paul's cherished memories in the solid-state fusion field are the instances where he encountered unexplained phenomena. These strange occurrences, especially when experiments did not go as planned, sparked his curiosity and propelled him to explore further. The enigmatic nature of these events adds an element of excitement and intrigue to his scientific journey. Moments where you think, “well that can’t be right”, so you continue delving deeper.

“I mean, the scientific revolution doesn’t come everyday. It’s really maybe once or twice a century maximum, you know? So this is a revolution. It’s great to be part of it.”

Jean-Paul is thrilled to witness the growth of solid-state fusion in recent years as the stigma surrounding it diminishes. From conducting secretive research in the lab at Berkeley due to societal taboos, he now sees a growing interest in the field that he finds incredibly promising. Jean-Paul remains inherently optimistic about the future because for him, to do science at all you must have an optimistic worldview.

In terms of his ideal vision for the future, Jean-Paul envisions a world where small-scale energy generators power individual homes and cars, and larger generators supply energy for large-scale needs. He is particularly excited about the concept of delocalizing energy, similar to how the Internet operates. According to him, the world's energy needs can be met through this decentralized approach, which he believes is pivotal for future progress. Furthermore, this revolutionary form of energy would empower bold exploration, enabling humanity to confidently embark on endeavors such as interplanetary travel, like the ambitious goal of reaching Mars.

At its core, Jean-Paul's passion for solid-state fusion is rooted in the spirit of exploration. He recognizes that with this transformative energy source, humanity can unlock unprecedented possibilities and overcome daunting challenges, propelling us towards a brighter future. It could be a revolution, after all.