Abstract

The webinar covers the future trajectory of fusion energy by discussing advances in fusion science, strategy, and regulation. It examines the technical details on cutting-edge research on neural-network reduced models and the challenges of achieving viable magnetic confinement fusion, alongside a policy overview of national fusion programmes and the development of prototype fusion power plants. The discussion also addresses emerging approaches to the governance of fusion energy, including graded regulation, international standards, and evolving regulatory frameworks as fusion moves from research to commercial deployment.

About the Speakers

Zhisong Su is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at NTU. Before joining NTU, he was a research fellow and postdoctoral researcher in Mathematical Sciences Institute, at the Australian National University (ANU). He received his PhD in plasma physics from the Research School of Physics, ANU, and his B.S. degree from the School of Physics, Peking University, China. Dr. Qu is interested in the application of machine learning to plasma physics problems. His research also focuses on the theory and modelling of plasmas in magnetic confinement fusion.

Mike Gorley has a Master’s in Physics and a PhD from Oxford University. He spent over a decade at the forefront of fusion research and technology development. As a leader at UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), he was instrumental in establishing the Materials Technology Group leading international teams in the development of fusion codes and standards. His leadership as Chief Technologist and Director of Fusion Technology contributed to positioning UKAEA as a global leader in fusion energy. Dr. Corley now serves as Senior Fellow for UKAEA

Ryan Wagner is currently the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Lead – Fusion Energy. He is currently developing the IAEA FUSE CONNECT platform to facilitate awareness among member states in various fusion topics such as fusion technologies, fusion codes and standards, tritium breeding, workforce development, remote handling and maintenance, etc. He was an early employee of Commonwealth Fusion Systems where, as the Head of Systems Engineering and Design Integration, he established the SPARC engineering program and managed a team of systems and project engineers. Prior to CFS, he worked at the ITER Organization as the Industrial Controls Coordinator managing the integration of various subsystems with central control systems

About the Chairperson

Dr. Alvin Chew is a Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, and a member of the Asia Pacific Leadership Network (APLN). His research focuses on the broad usage of civilian nuclear energy as well as nuclear non-proliferation matters. He also has vast experiences in the government sector working on energy security and energy transition issues. Trained in both disciplines of engineering and social sciences, he is currently teaching an elective in the school’s MSc course on technology planning and strategic industries.