09/12/2024
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 Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy
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 Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy
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.