Tokyo University Collaborates with Eight Companies to Establish Fusion System Design Course

Tokyo University and Private Sector Unite for Fusion Energy

Tokyo University, in partnership with eight private companies, is proud to announce the launch of a new course titled "Fusion System Design" scheduled to begin on May 1, 2025. This initiative involves leading minds from both academia and industry to promote research and development in the promising field of fusion energy.

The initiative includes collaboration with notable companies like Starlight Engine, Kyoto Fusioneering, J-Power, JGC Corporation, Fujikura, Furukawa Electric, and Marubeni Corporation. The aim is to merge academic research with practical applications, ensuring that students gain a robust understanding of fusion energy systems and the challenges associated with them.

Background and Challenges

In recent years, the global race towards harnessing fusion energy has intensified, with many nations vying to bring practical fusion power plants into operation. Japan has accelerated its efforts under the Cabinet Office's "Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy," targeting operational testing by the 2030s. The FAST project led by Starlight Engine is one of the key initiatives currently underway to demonstrate fusion energy generation.

However, for successful fusion power generation and beyond, comprehensive plant design and engineering principles are crucial. The design of fusion facilities will be profoundly impacted by factors such as confinement methods, applications (like commercial power generation or material testing), and regulatory standards. Unfortunately, many of these design frameworks have yet to be fully established. Additionally, strategic training of the next generation of fusion energy professionals is essential to maintain and accelerate technological development.