About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Circular Metallurgy: Design, Technology, Application
|
| Presentation Title |
Plasmas, Plants and Partnerships: Enabling Fusion Energy Through Circular Metallurgy |
| Author(s) |
Benjamin R. S. Evans, Liam Young, James Gibson, Jack Haley, David Bowden |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Benjamin R. S. Evans |
| Abstract Scope |
Fusion energy offers a promising route to industrial decarbonisation, but its success depends on scalable, sustainable materials supply chains. Prototype power plants, like the UK’s STEP machine, may require ~1000 tonnes of fusion-grade steel annually – yet only 50T of Eurofer97 has ever been produced. This talk explores how circular metallurgy can be embedded early in fusion development through industry-academia partnerships. The UK’s NEURONE consortium is developing advanced fusion steels for high-temperature operation, recyclability, and low activation. Early industry involvement enables rapid alloy development alongside scale-up. Exploratory work into adoption of fusion steels in sectors like automotive and aerospace may deliver performance and cost benefits and enable cross-sector use. This may establish a shared supply chain and allow ring-fencing of “fusion-aligned” scrap – material with known composition and low activation potential – for reuse. Engaging scrap processors early supports a closed-loop system for future fusion deployment and broader industrial circularity. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Sustainability, Iron and Steel |