AI and fusion combine to accelerate clean energy breakthroughs
AI simulators enable millions of virtual experiments to predict plasma behaviour and improve tokamak performance.
A new research partnership between Google and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) aims to accelerate the development of clean, abundant fusion energy. Fusion powers the sun and offers limitless, clean energy, but achieving it on Earth requires stabilising plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius.
The collaboration builds on prior AI research in controlling plasma using deep reinforcement learning. Google and CFS are combining AI with the SPARC tokamak, using superconducting magnets to achieve net energy gain from fusion.
AI tools such as TORAX, a fast and differentiable plasma simulator, allow millions of virtual experiments to optimise plasma behaviour before SPARC begins operations.
AI is also being applied to find the most efficient operating paths for the tokamak, including optimising magnetic coils, fuel injection, and heat management.
Reinforcement learning agents can optimise energy output in real time while safeguarding the machine, potentially exceeding human-designed methods.
The partnership combines advanced AI with fusion hardware to develop intelligent, adaptive control systems for future clean and sustainable fusion power plants.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
