Horst Hahn moderates panel on fusion energy commercialization
Horst Hahn, University of Arizona special advisor on fusion, speaks at Arizona–Livermore Days. The February event brought researchers, students and leaders from the university, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and partners in industry and government together to advance collaboration on fusion energy and other global challenges.
Kris Hanning/U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
MSE professor Horst Hahn moderated an April 8 panel discussion on fusion energy as part of AZ Tech Week. The University of Arizona is taking a leadership role in bringing fusion energy to market and shaping future energy strategy.
The U of A named fusion energy one of its strategic research priorities in 2025. Fusion could help the world meet rapidly growing electricity demand by providing reliable power without the radioactive waste associated with existing nuclear reactors and the carbon emissions of gas-fired power plants.
Research at the U of A is focusing on improving the reliability of lasers used in fusion reactors. The university is also collaborating with industry like California-based company Innoven Energy and fusion-energy startup Inertia Enterprises. These partnerships mark a shift in focus from fundamental research to engineering solutions that will speed commercialization.
"Businesses will need these solutions later in their development," said Hahn, also special advisor to the U of A senior vice president for research and partnerships. "We're working on them now so companies can focus on their most urgent priorities."
With the expectation of commercially viable pilot plants in the 2030s, the need to invest in research and workforce training is clear. To meet those needs, the U of A is developing new curricula and training programs to educate the workers needed to make commercial fusion energy possible.
"Arizona will be among the first U.S. universities to offer these vital classes," Hahn said.