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Lecture

Nuclear Fusion Seminar

Mar
27
27 Mar 2025 /  
5:30pm - 8:00pm

About

The challenges of manufacturing a Commercially Relevant Prototype Fusion Powerplant will be addressed. Nuclear fusion offers the potential for long-term, sustainable, low-carbon energy, but significant technical challenges remain, particularly regarding the fusion fuel cyclemanufacture. The talk will examine the fuels used in fusion reactorspriority areas to address in manufacturing a fusion power plant, and discuss the challenges and potential solutions involved in developing a sustainable and efficient fuel cycle, which is essential for achieving commercially viable fusion energy.

Presentation 1: AI-driven fusion power plant design in the industrial metaverse

The presentation will focus on the design of fusion power plant digital twins in the industrial metaverse, an extension of the internet into three dimensions. Lee will explain how AI and digital twin technology are being used to accelerate the delivery of a first of a kind fusion power plant that will be self-sufficient in the generation and consumption of tritium fuel. 

Presentation 2:  Engineering the Confinement System for a Commercially Relevant Prototype Fusion Powerplant

This presentation explores the engineering challenges and innovations behind designing a confinement system for a commercially viable prototype fusion power plant. It will cover key principles of confinement, material considerations, and advanced control strategies needed to achieve sustained fusion reactions. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge approaches, including magnetic and inertial confinement, for optimisation of reactor performance for real-world energy production.

Presentation 3: Priority areas to address in Manufacturing a fusion power plant

This presentation outlines the key priority areas in manufacturing a fusion power plant, focusing on the critical challenges and innovations needed for commercial viability. Topics include advanced materials, precision fabrication of reactor components, supply chain scalability, and quality assurance for extreme operating conditions. Attendees will gain insights into emerging manufacturing techniques, and automation, aiming to streamline production to accelerate the deployment of fusion energy.

Energy
Design and Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Nuclear Power
Power Generation

2

Continuing Professional Development

This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.

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27 Mar 2025 

5:30pm - 8:00pm

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Organiser

  • Manchester Local Network

Registration information

Please use the registration button to book for the event. 

 

Speakers

Yannik Dieudonné, MInstP

Development Engineer - UKAEA

Yannik has a Masters in Physics from the University of Birmingham. He has been working on technology development for superconducting magnets and remountable joints for STEP since joining UKAEA in 2020. Additionally, he has been involved in numerous additional projects ranging from additive manufacturing for superconducting magnets to novel robotic maintenance systems.

Mr Davidson Sabu MEng AIMMM

Fusion Technologist - UKAEA

University of Oxford MEng Graduate, reading Materials Science, graduated in 2022 -> moved onto the UKAEA graduate scheme (2 years) and completed in 2024 -> Fusion Technologist now. Currently working on manufacturing contracts for STEP, the UK's flagship fusion power plant to come online in 2040. Moreover, some experience in projects involving joining dissimilar materials and additively manufactured components

Professor Lee Margetts

Chair of Digital Engineering for Fusion Energy - UKAEA

Professor Lee Margetts is the UKAEA Chair of Digital Engineering for Fusion Energy and the Director of The Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training. Professor Lee Margetts is the UKAEA Chair of Digital Engineering for Fusion Energy and the Director of The Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training, and is also the academic lead for the student led Manchester STAR Fusion Society. Lee was awarded a BSc in Geology by the University of Durham in 1994, he continued his studies in 1997 gaining an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering and a PhD in Civil Engineering. From 2001 until 2015, Lee worked for the University of Manchester as a Senior Consultant in High Performance Computing. He joined the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering as a Lecturer in Structural Integrity in April 2015. After promotion to Senior Lecturer in 2017 and Reader in 2021, he was appointed Chair. Lee holds an external appointment as Visiting Faculty at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.

Location

Pendulum Hotel

Sackville Street
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M1 3BB
United Kingdom

Programme

5:30pm - 5:50pm: Refreshment & Networking

6:00pm - 6:10pm: Opening remark - Mr. Louis Williams (Manchester Young Professional Group)

6:10pm – 6:35pm: "AI-driven fusion power plant design in the industrial metaverse"

6:35pm – 7:00pm: Engineering the Confinement System for a Commercially Relevant Prototype Fusion Powerplant

7:00pm - 7:25pm: Priority areas to address in Manufacturing a fusion power plant.

7:25pm - 7:50pm: Question / Answer 

7:50pm - 8:00pm: Closing remark - Mr. Joseph Daly (Vice Chair, Manchester Young Professional Group) 

Register

Register

Free

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