Fusion energy has the theoretical potential to provide near limitless energy with minimal pollution. For decades it has been described as 30 years away, yet recent years have seen notable development in research owing to stable public investment since the 1950s, increasing private investment over the last 20 years, and the development of enabling technologies. While progress has been significant, it remains unlikely that fusion will play a key role in world energy production before 2050 without a considerable breakthrough.
On 28 November 2022, the Royal Society, in partnership with First Light Fusion, hosted ‘Exploring the potential: A high energy density pulsed power device as a UK R&D platform’. The day-long hybrid workshop comprised presentations and audience discussions to explore the possible research applications for a new UK capability for high energy density science.