Overview
Sessions at FUSION24
ILLUMINATE THEATRE
Level 4
ELECTRIC DREAMS
What does a fusion future look like?
Find out how an abundant, cheap, inexhaustible supply of energy will change the world. Explore the possibilities with us as we enter the fusion delivery era; from addressing the issue of climate change and stimulating economic growth to enhancing security and improving the quality of life for billions of people around the world.
09:30 - 09:50 | Mark Maslin
TOUR DE FORCE
Breakthroughs, gains and global growth
It’s hard to keep up with the giant strides being made around the world in the quest to get fusion energy on the grid. In this session we’ll be telling you everything you need to know about the recent progress in vital areas of science, engineering and infrastructure and showcasing breakthroughs from across the globe, including game changing developments at the National Ignition Facility.
09:50 - 10:35 | Tammy Ma, Melanie Windridge
STRENGTH IN DIFFERENCE
The case for a diversity of approaches
The range of technical approaches taken by fusion companies is exactly what’s needed to speed up the roll out of fusion power plants across the globe, reach different markets and guarantee leaps in performance. In this session we explore how important diversity is when it comes to innovation and adoption. We also take a look at the extraordinary growth of wind energy and discuss what lessons this holds for fusion.
11:00 - 11:45 | Niek Lopes Cardozo, Andrew Garrad, Valerie Jamieson
BUILDING THE TOMORROW WE NEED
A futureproof power plant programme
Fusion power plants are fast moving off the drawing board and becoming a reality. As fusion attracts its first customers, find out about the remarkable progress that’s being made siting, designing and building power plants for different markets - and what this could mean for you and your business.
12:05 - 12:45 | Benjamin Byboth, Tris Denton, Linda Nyberg, Andrew Proffitt, Milena Roveda, Megan Wilson
THINKING BIG
How do we fund fusion?
The world needs fusion energy; we know the humanitarian cost if this world-changing technology does not make it to market. But what is the financial cost of ensuring it meets its potential? What is required by the public and the private sector? This session looks at ideas for getting potential investors onboard, financial and economic forecasts and how to identify funding gaps.
14:00 - 14:45 | Klaas de Boer, Marie Freier, Phil Larochelle, Andrew Lo, Rory Scott Russell
(UN)EXPECTED BENEFITS
The new markets fusion is creating
The enabling technologies being created on the way to fusion are finding revenue-generating markets of their own. This session considers how to maximise the new business opportunities being created whilst not distracting from the core goal of revolutionising future energy markets.
15:05 - 15:50 | Stuart Clark, Warrick Matthews, Greg Piefer, Markus Roth, Elisabeth Siegel
FORGING THE FUTURE
Building solid supply chains
Fusion companies need suppliers to scale ahead of demand. How can we support this when so many uncertainties remain? What processes, guarantees and reassurances will allow us to navigate these challenges and create opportunities that work for everyone and fulfil our ambition to provide the fusion power the world needs.
16:15 - 17:00 | Joanne Bailey, Laban Coblentz, Tris Denton, Faris Fakhry, Heike Freund, Sean Lynch
THE POWER OF ONE
How you can advocate for fusion
Having focused on the incredible collective action of this burgeoning community we end the day with a look at our own responsibility. How can we as individuals move the dial in a meaningful way and play our part in a fusion future that will benefit ourselves, our families and the planet.
Fusion is the answer. And it starts with us.
17:10 - 17:30 | Mark Maslin
INFORMATION AGE THEATRE
Level 2
Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis
MAXIMISING OPPORTUNITY, ENSURING SAFETY
Trailblazing approaches for enabling regulation
Legislation introduced in the UK will allow fusion energy companies to plan with confidence, as well as encourage innovation and investment. What’s needed next to ensure fusion energy gets on the grid quickly and safely? And how do we get agreement among countries for fusion to fulfil its global potential?
11:00 - 11:45 | Sally Forbes, Sean Lynch, Linda Nyberg, Mike O'Neill, Richard Pearson
AI: AMPLIFYING INGENUITY
The use of artificial intelligence in fusion energy development
AI is already being used to overcome challenges related to getting fusion on the grid. We’ll take a look at some of these cutting edge adoptions as well as gaze into the future to see how AI will help predict, design and improve fusion experiments and infrastructure.
12:05 - 12:45 | Rafel Bordas, Helen Brooks, Tim Dodwell, Ian Hogarth, Kate Royse
COMFORT OF OPINION
The importance of public perception
As the prospect of fusion power plants being built in communities around the world becomes a reality, the issue of public perception is vital. To what extent do individuals need to understand the science before they will accept this new technology? And when “nuclear” conjures strong reactions, how can we support the public through “discomfort of thought”, when there is comfort in long held opinions? How will fusion find its story to win over hearts and minds?
14:00 - 14:45 | Rishi Bhattacharya, Kelly Lea, Zion Lights, Jennifer Powers, Matt Walker
A UNIFIED FORCE
Fostering skills in a changing world
We give the mic to the “fusion generation” to learn what attracts young people to fusion, learn about the diverse career backgrounds and hear inspirational stories from around the world. Most importantly we’ll understand what will keep this incredible talent in the industry and encourage them to advocate for fusion among their peers.
Fusion is the answer. And it starts with them.
15:05 - 15:50 | Rosie Barker, Steve Cross, Leah Morgan, Ben Rutter
FUSIONEERS
How can we inspire future generations?
Curiosity is the basis of education - and fusion is fascinating. We take a look at the different approaches that outreach teams all over the world are taking to engage with younger audiences; the people who will be living with and benefiting most from fusion energy. Be inspired by our speakers whose work now will ensure fusion can recruit the brightest and the best in 10, 20 and 30 years' time.
16:15 - 17:00 | Steve Cross, Dario Cruz, Sabina Griffith, Jane Hotchkiss, Laura Joy Pieters, Chris Warrick