Thermal management and net-power evaluation of the ST-E1 fusion power plant

Nuclear Fusion 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mohamed Khalid Elsharif Mohamed, Alasdair Burchill, Liviu Maatescu, Emrah Yıldırım, Jonathan Naish, Matthew Robinson, Vandeep Bharatbhai Godhani, Samara M. Levine, Sandeep Irukuvarghula, C.L. Wilson, Ivan Krastev, Robin Kamenický
+1 more Abhishek Kumar
DOI: 10.1088/1741-4326/ae5546
Cited by: 6
References: 44

Abstract

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the thermal management and net-power performance is presented for the ST-E1 low aspect ratio tokamak fusion power plant. The study addresses the critical interplay between coolant system design, power cycle integration, and electrical loads, which significantly influence net-power projections and overall plant viability. Specifically, it quantifies the impact of coolant loop design, pressure drops, pumping power, and thermal storage on plant efficiency, and examines the conditions required to achieve the pilot-phase net power target of 300–500 MWe. The findings provide insight into the system-level trade-offs that govern fusion plant viability and inform pathways toward improved net-power performance.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Magnetic confinement fusion research Fusion materials and technologies Superconducting Materials and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Nuclear Fusion
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Volume
66
Issue
8
Pages
086005–086005
Publication date
10 July 2026
Language
EN