Large fusion experiments like ITER push Europe to develop advanced fusion technologies and motivate the supply chain to acquire the necessary expertise. Components like the ITER magnets or the cryoplant have fostered innovation and set new benchmarks in their fields. Still, technical gaps remain when it comes to the next generation of fusion reactors. F4E’s Technology Development Programme aims to help Europe stay ahead of those needs and accelerate R&D in key areas.
In this context, F4E and EUROfusion have published a report mapping relevant technologies in fuel cycle. This is the first of a series of publications resulting from thematic workshops organised by F4E, each addressing a different area (see the upcoming sessions on Additive Manufacturing and Magnets). Their goal is to gather expert insights from industry, research, or other high-tech projects and build a community with a common strategy.
“We carried out a participatory exercise with over 150 specialists from 64 public and private organisations. Thanks to the input, we got a full picture of Europe’s capabilities and needs in fusion cycle, a critical technology for the viability of fusion as an efficient, safe, and scalable energy source”, explains Matthias Dremel, Lead Engineer for fuel cycle activities at F4E.
The role of fuel cycle systems is to store, inject, pump and re-process the fuels used in fusion reactors, primarily deuterium and tritium. The new report breaks down the main technologies in this loop, such as cryopumps, and provides an overview of their status. The findings also point to strong and weak points. For instance, whilst Europe has world-class capabilities in areas like cryogenics or tritium process plants, it needs to invest more in tritium test facilities and build a more diverse supply chain for components such as pellet injection.
The information from this and future reports can help us guide future investments in Europe. Through the Technology Development Programme, F4E is funding R&D to advance early-stage technologies. The first contracts were signed this Spring and more calls will follow in the coming years.
“F4E is playing a role as a European fusion technology hub. We are building a cohesive innovation ecosystem by facilitating networking and exchange of knowledge, as well as boosting strategic R&D,” summarises Enrique García-Vidorreta, Head of F4E’s Fusion Technologies and Engineering Department. “We will apply the model to other technology areas to drive progress and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness,” he adds.
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