Fusion For the Future: Nuclear Lab Plays Key Role in Testing a Crucial Technology
Image: Rendering of a part of the fusion blanket. Credit: Idaho National Laboratory
Original source: Eurek Alert, March 10, 2025, Click here for the article link
DOE/Idaho National Laboratory
A cutting-edge project to test “fusion blanket” technologies is taking shape, with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) leading the charge to create a critical component of a fusion reactor.
This work is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) $107 million funding award to six research centers called Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) collaboratives. INL will lead one of the centers and contribute research for two others.
The collaboratives aim to develop an operational fuel cycle within a decade and innovate solutions for commercial fusion plants to secure a resilient, reliable source of energy.
“For 30 years, INL’s Fusion Safety Program focused on safety evaluations and experiments,” said Patrick Calderoni, fusion program lead. “Now we are going to leverage INL expertise in the design and implementation of complex test rigs for neutron testing in the Advanced Test Reactor, one of the most powerful test reactors in operation worldwide.”
The INL-led center, Accelerating Fusion Blanket Development through Nuclear Testing (BNT), involves five national laboratories, four universities and numerous private companies. One of the companies, General Atomics, will provide engineering and advanced computer models.
“This funding propels two critical components forward that will help carry us closer to achieving a fully operational fusion power plant in the United States,” said Wayne Solomon, vice president of Magnetic Fusion Energy for General Atomics.
Tokamak Energy will also collaborate with INL to develop and design the blanket technology to ensure commercial relevance.
“Fusion blankets are pivotal to delivering limitless fusion energy to the grid,” said Aaron Washington, a Tokamak representative. “We’re now focused on helping INL and DOE ensure their testing is relevant to private companies as part of a fusion energy future.”What is a fusion blanket?
INL is the nation’s nuclear energy lab, largely focused on fission – which is the splitting of a large atom to release energy. That is what happens in all nuclear power plants that produce electricity.
To read full story click ↓↓↓↓
