Fusion Industry Association Launches Committee on  Digital Technologies

Fusion is one of the most potentially beneficial and technologically challenging industries in the world. The realization of a commercially viable fusion power plant demands the integration of some of the most cutting-edge technologies available  today. Among these, digital technologies — such as artificial intelligence — are revolutionizing industries globally, and the fusion industry is no exception.

As the voice of the fusion industry, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) hosts numerous member committees with topical focuses on advancing priorities. Recently, the FIA formed a member committee on critical digital advancements. The Digital Technology committee’s  mission is to ensure the effective and appropriate application of digital technologies within the fusion industry. This includes the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, high-performance computing, advanced simulation software, control systems, and data management techniques. Such technologies will likely enable faster and more effective designs, and safer, more reliable operation of fusion power-plants. 

Thank you to Cyd Cowley and Ross Allen of FIA affiliate member digiLab, who are serving as the initial committee chairs. In addition to providing an expert voice on digital technologies, the member committee will also function as a platform to foster dialogue between the supply chain and fusion developers, addressing the technical, policy, and logistic aspects of fusion digital technologies. 

With the committee only recently being established, its role in advancing digital technologies within the fusion industry is just beginning. As these digital technologies continue to expand and influence the fusion sector, the need for cohesion and collaboration regarding digital technology within the industry will  become increasingly critical.