Fusion energy presents tightly coupled physics and engineering challenges that determine its practical viability. This talk traces the path from tokamak plasma to burning conditions sustained by alpha heating, emphasizing the narrow and delicate operating window.

We examine plasma–material interactions at the first wall and divertor, where extreme loads test material limits, and the breeding blanket, which must simultaneously enable tritium self-sufficiency, heat extraction, and neutron economy. The role of liquid metals in strong magnetic fields—and the resulting magnetohydrodynamic constraints—is also discussed.

At the system level, issues such as tritium handling, component lifetime, and plant availability highlight the gap between scientific demonstration and economic power production. The aim is to identify key bottlenecks, highlight realistic optimism, and assess fusion’s prospects as a viable energy source.

Biography

Prof. Xu Shuyan is a plasma physicist specializing in space plasma propulsion, fusion plasma current drive, and plasma–material interactions. He is the founder of the Plasma Sources and Applications Centre (PSAC) at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. His research bridges fundamental plasma physics and practical technologies for energy and space applications. 

Inviter: Yue-Liang Wu