The role of fusion energy in a decarbonized electricity system

Please join us for a webinar in which the key findings from a new study will be presented and discussed. This study examines the role fusion could play as a major part of future electric power systems. We will cover the societal value of fusion and how the deployment of fusion will depend on:

• costs,
• electricity demand,
• availability of renewable resources, and
• decarbonization targets.

This study includes both a global perspective on the potential fusion penetration, as well as an examination of the complementary role of fusion based on local resources and constraints.

Fusion energy combines several advantages that are especially important in a decarbonized world, including:

• high power density,
• good siting flexibility,
• the ability to deliver “firm” power (i.e., power that can be counted on to meet demand when needed in all seasons), and,
• of course, no greenhouse gas emissions.

This new study was recently completed by the MIT Energy Initiative in collaboration with the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center.

Agenda

• 10:00-10:02 am: Introduction: Why fusion now?
  Robert C. Armstrong, Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering, Emeritus; Former Director, MIT Energy Initiative
• 10:02-10:05 am: Summary of key findings
  Randall Field, Director of Research, MIT Energy Initiative
• 10:05-10:12 am: Global results
  Sergey Paltsev, Senior Research Scientist, MIT Energy Initiative; Deputy Director, MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change
• 10:12-10:16 am: Multi-regional results
  Amanda Farnsworth, PhD ’24, Senior Analyst, PowerIntel
• 10:16-10:21 am: Grid results
  Ruaridh Macdonald, Energy Systems Research Lead, MIT Energy Initiative
• 10:21-10:24 am: Cost drivers and supply chains
  Randall Field, Director of Research, MIT Energy Initiative
• 10:24-10:57 am: Panel discussion and audience Q&A

Moderator: Dennis Whyte, Hitachi America Professor of Engineering. MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Speakers:
Amanda Farnsworth, PhD ’24, Senior Analyst, PowerIntel
Sara Ferry, Research Scientist and Group Leader, Fusion Materials and Components, MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Randall Field, Director of Research, MIT Energy Initiative
Ruaridh Macdonald, Research Scientist, MIT Energy Initiative
Sergey Paltsev, Senior Research Scientist, MIT Energy Initiative; Deputy Director, MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change
John Parsons, Deputy Director for Research, MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research

• 10:57-11:00 am: Closing remarks
  Robert C. Armstrong, Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering, Emeritus; Former Director, MIT Energy Initiative

Accessibility information

MIT is committed to providing an environment that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you need a disability related accommodation to attend or have other questions, please contact us at miteievents@mit.edu.