This talk by Metrowest Climate Solutions will describe fusion energy and how the same process that powers the stars can be harnessed on Earth as the ideal source of carbon-free energy. A giant leap forward on the path to commercial fusion energy occurred in 2021 when Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrated the world’s strongest superconducting magnet at the scale required for fusion power plant systems. This new magnet technology opened up the possibility of developing fusion power plants at a size that can commercially scale.
Following this success, CFS rapidly built a magnet factory in Devens, Massachusetts, and is using its first-production magnets to build a prototype fusion machine, called SPARC®, to demonstrate net energy and the technology’s commercial viability.
Speaker
Jessica Strunkin joined CFS as Community Relations and Local Government Affairs Principal in 2023, where she leads engagement with local communities and stakeholders to broaden awareness of fusion energy and to highlight the economic impact of CFS on the region. She regularly interacts with local officials, business leaders, educators, and neighbors, organizing quarterly community events at CFS’ headquarters for public education and interaction with the CFS team. She was part of the site search team for the first ARC™ Power Plant.