Overview of the SPARC program -- goals and status

The recent demonstration of a large bore, superconducting magnet has enabled the construction of a new, net energy demonstration facility, SPARC (BT = 12.2, R0 = 1.85m, a = 0.57m, Q ≈ 10, Pfusion ≈ 140MW, at H98 = 1.0), which is fully funded and currently under construction in Devens, MA. SPARC is predicted to demonstrate high gain plasmas and fusion power plant engineering in a compact device while providing a platform to close remaining plasma physics gaps for a fusion pilot plant related to alpha physics, divertor heat exhaust, scenario development, transients, and RF physics. With absolute plasma performance matched only by ITER but significantly sooner, SPARC will be exploited to fast track a fusion energy industry. The physics design is largely closed, the engineering design is in detail stages, building construction is approximately 50% complete, the majority of the auxiliary systems are under procurement agreement, the manufacture of the magnets has begun, and preparations for utilization are being initiated. SPARC’s completion mid-decade will complete the Fusion Pilot Plant Phase 1A mission identified in the National Academies Fusion plan and prepare for first commercial plant, ARC, which incorporates other technologies being developed in parallel needed to close technical gaps.