ORNL Actions to Maximize Fusion Pilot Plant Success

ORNL aims to maximize the probability of a credible fusion pilot plant (FPP) design that leads to construction and projects to commercial viability. Timely delivery of an FPP is likely beyond the capability of any single enterprise. To maximize success and return on investment, an open and collaborative design and assessment effort between public and private stakeholders to develop prioritized technology roadmap(s) towards a viable concept(s) for commercialized fusion power is envisioned. The public program is well positioned to accelerate progress by addressing common challenges and dispersing knowledge, technology, and experience. ORNL aims to play a central role in a private and public FPP design activity, development and demonstration of technology components through the Public-Private Milestone program, and foundational R&D needed for low-TRL, longer term milestones. ORNL is working to bring together both fusion plasma and fusion engineering modeling tools to provide integrated assessment of tokamak fusion pilot plant concepts, as well as siting options to develop, test, and qualify components or facilities. Thoughts on how to apply lab capabilities and coordinate the enthusiastic public program in delivering a fusion energy producing system will be presented.