University of Arizona joins fusion energy research hub
A technician works on laser technology research and development at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. LLNL leads a fusion energy consortium that includes the University of Arizona.
Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory
The University of Arizona joined the IFE STARFIRE Hub, a national, multi-institution research hub focused on accelerating the development of inertial fusion energy, or IFE, science and technology. The hub, led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, brings together universities, national laboratories and businesses to bolster clean energy.
“The promise of fusion energy lies not only in its scientific ambition but in the transformative partnerships it inspires,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships.
U of A researchers will work on engineering challenges that serve as obstacles to developing IFE as a sustainable energy source.
“This requires collaboration among experts across diverse disciplines, as well as active exchange between industry, national labs and academia,” said Horst Hahn, MSE professor, special advisor to Díaz de la Rubia and the university’s strategic architect for fusion initiatives.
Although experiments have demonstrated IFE’s promise as a safe and sustainable energy source, significant technological breakthroughs are still required before a fusion power plant can become operational, Hahn explained.