The SOFT 2018 conference, one of the largest and most important events for the fusion community, provided the perfect platform for the launch of the latest version of the European Roadmap to Fusion Energy. EUROfusion Programme Manager Tony Donné introduced the 2018 version to the community at the plenary session. His presentation was one of the opening talks held on 17th September. The new Roadmap sets out the milestones that the European fusion community has identified for realising fusion energy for the world.
Introducing the Roadmap to the audience, Tony said that the new version is an evolution of the 2013 Roadmap, which was published during the EFDA, EUROfusion’s predecessor, tenure. “We want to have electricity from fusion as quickly as possible. And for this reason Europe has developed the European Fusion Roadmap,” Tony pointed out. The document is unique because it is the most detailed plan of action ever seen in this field. It maps out the facilities and research landmarks that are required to deliver the world’s first fully operational fusion power plant.
Looking back, the European fusion community has made significant advances in many areas since the publication of the first Roadmap. These include successfully integrating tungsten into the tokamak wall, a greatly advanced understanding of the material properties for ITER and DEMO, and completing the construction and operation of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator.
“I always compare the roadmap with the navigation system in your car,” Tony stated. Just like the navigation system assesses the traffic and road conditions while getting from point A to B, the Roadmap assesses the current fusion landscape and charts the fastest course to a world with fusion electricity he said.
Visit the dedicated Roadmap page for detailed information.
