VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

The term “ground zero” is rooted in ominous nuclear overtones, marking the detonation spot of an atomic weapon. But it also has come to represent a starting point, and at a site not far from Virginia Commonwealth University, the state may become ground zero for a pioneering project — and a nuclear one, no less.

The world’s first nuclear fusion energy plant was recently proposed for construction in Chesterfield County. The science is groundbreaking and not fully developed, but the prospect — creating clean energy in a greater volume than what is used to produce it — has enticing elements for both power producers and environmentalists.

The multibillion-dollar plant, proposed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems on property owned by Dominion Energy, is still years away, and production wouldn’t begin until the 2030s. But VCU News touched base with Supathorn Phongikaroon, Ph.D., director of nuclear engineering programs in the College of Engineering, for some baseline insights as the project takes shape.

First, the basics for us not-scientists! What is nuclear fusion, and how does it relate to energy as we think of it?

Imagine smashing two tiny atoms together so hard they stick and become one — that’s nuclear fusion. It’s the same process that powers the sun, where hydrogen atoms combine to create helium, releasing massive amounts of energy in the process.

While the electricity in your home might come from burning coal or splitting atoms (which is nuclear fission), fusion could be the holy grail of clean energy. Scientists are racing to make this dream a reality.

In general terms, where do things stand regarding tapping fusion’s potential?

Scientists achieved a major milestone in 2023 when researchers at Lawrence Livermore Lab produced 3.88 megajoules of fusion energy output — nearly double their input energy.

But significant hurdles remain. The key challenge isn’t just creating fusion reactions; it’s sustaining them long enough to generate stable electricity. Scientists also need to solve material challenges, as the intense neutron radiation can damage containment structures.

Still, 2024 marks a turning point as fusion moves from pure research toward commercial applications.

Historically, the word “nuclear” is often associated with destruction and danger. What should we know about the safety of nuclear fusion — and its contrast with nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission and fusion represent two remarkable approaches to harnessing atomic power.

Fission, which has safely powered homes and businesses for decades, splits heavy atoms to generate reliable carbon-free electricity. While it does produce some waste that requires careful management, modern facilities have sophisticated safety systems and strict protocols.

Meanwhile, fusion takes a different but equally promising path, mimicking the sun’s power by combining light atoms.

Both technologies showcase human ingenuity — fission already provides about 20% of America’s electricity, while fusion holds exciting potential for the future. Together, these nuclear technologies could play crucial roles in building a clean energy future.

From what you know regarding the proposed plant, what excites you about the science — and what reservations do you have?'

The proposed ARC fusion plant in Chesterfield fascinates me scientifically because it could be the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion facility. The promise of generating 400 megawatts of clean electricity represents a potential energy breakthrough.

But I have reservations. The ambitious timeline targeting the 2030s for operation seems optimistic given fusion’s history of delays. We’ve heard promises before. And while the technology is emissions-free, we still need to see if it can be economically viable at scale. The billions in investment show the stakes are enormous.

What work at VCU intersects with the frontiers of nuclear engineering?

VCU’s nuclear engineering program stands among the nation’s elite, recently ranked No. 18 in the country. Located in Richmond, near several nuclear facilities, the program combines hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.

Our work spans multiple critical areas: materials science and chemistry, neutron transport, heat transfer systems, and nuclear material safety. The department’s expertise includes nano-radioisotope development for medical applications and innovative research in chemical and electrochemical separation of used nuclear fuel through multicomponent molten salt systems.

The program recently gained additional recognition with the receipt of a prestigious Department of Energy Office of Science Early Career Research Program award through the Fusion Energy Science program. This award supports foundational work for fusion energy systems utilizing molten salt technology.

VCU is also establishing itself as a leader in nuclear education by developing a Center of Excellence dedicated to nuclear fuel cycles, addressing both current industry needs and future technological advances.