Seville, Spain - September 30, 2024

The University of Seville is on the brink of a significant milestone in fusion energy research with its compact spherical tokamak, SMART, preparing for its first plasma activation. This innovative reactor, designed with unique features like negative triangularity, aims to redefine the landscape of fusion power, potentially offering a more efficient and manageable path to harnessing fusion energy for the grid.

The project, a beacon of international collaboration, has seen significant contributions from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). PPPL's expertise in fusion simulation, magnetics, and sensor technology has been integral to SMART's design, showcasing a global effort to tackle one of the most challenging scientific endeavors of our time.

Jack Berkery, from PPPL, highlighted the collaborative essence of the project, emphasizing, "We have to all do this together or it's not going to happen." This sentiment underscores the unified push towards sustainable energy solutions through fusion.

SMART's design incorporates negative triangularity, a configuration where the plasma's shape could lead to enhanced performance by suppressing instabilities. This could significantly impact future reactor designs by allowing for better heat management and stability, crucial for the practical application of fusion power.

Manuel Garcia-Munoz from the University of Seville expressed optimism about SMART's potential, stating, "Negative triangularity has a lower level of fluctuations inside the plasma, but it also has a larger divertor area to distribute the heat exhaust." This could be a game-changer for compact fusion reactors, making them more robust and efficient.

The collaboration has not only been about hardware but also about sharing knowledge and simulation tools. PPPL's contribution of the TRANSP software has been pivotal, with Garcia-Munoz lauding, "PPPL is a world leader in many areas, including fusion simulation; TRANSP is a great example of their success."

As SMART gears up for its first plasma, possibly by the fall of 2024, the initial tests have shown promising signs, albeit at lower plasma pressures. The real test will come with achieving higher confinement plasmas, where SMART's unique design could demonstrate significant advancements in fusion technology.

This project not only advances the science of fusion but also fosters a new generation of researchers. As noted by PPPL's Luis Delgado-Aparicio, working with enthusiastic students at the University of Seville has been rewarding, hinting at a bright future for fusion research.

With the world watching, SMART's journey towards first plasma represents not just a step for Spain or the US, but a global stride towards an energy future powered by the stars.

[Credit: University of Seville]