Long-Term Research & Design Strategies for Fusion Energy Materials

TL;DR

This paper discusses the critical materials challenges for fusion energy development, emphasizing the need for a long-term, iterative research approach to develop materials capable of withstanding extreme fusion environments.

Contribution

It proposes a novel research framework that co-evolves materials science and fusion plant design to address uncertainty and technical challenges in fusion materials development.

Findings

Identifies key materials challenges in fusion energy.

Highlights the importance of iterative co-evolution of design and materials research.

Emphasizes the unique uncertainties in fusion materials requirements.

Abstract

Fusion energy is at an important inflection point in its development: multiple government agencies and private companies are now planning fusion pilot plants to deliver electricity to the grid in the next decade. However, realizing fusion as a technically and economically viable energy source depends on developing and qualifying materials that can withstand the extreme environment inside a fusion power plant. This Perspective seeks to engage the broader materials science community in this long-term effort. We first outline the principal materials challenges and research opportunities for fusion. Next, we argue that fusion is distinct from other energy applications with respect to materials, not just in the magnitude and complexity of the technical challenges but also in the present level of uncertainty in materials design requirements. To address this, we finally propose a research framework based on an iterative co-evolution of materials science and fusion power plant design requirements.