Accelerating fusion energy industrialisation through process standardisation

In the path towards the exploitation of nuclear fusion as a virtually unlimited, reliable, and carbon-free energy source, demonstrating tritium self-sufficiency and achieving competitive net electricity production for the grid are of paramount importance. As Eni fosters the industrialisation of magnetic confinement fusion, we are committed to mitigating risks and accelerating the development of fusion power plants. To this end, we apply consolidated engineering methodologies and structured risk management strategies from the earliest stages of the design process. This approach leverages our extensive expertise in engineering and project management, built over decades of experience in complex energy infrastructure projects. This contribution presents two case studies that exemplify Eni’s approach to bridging conventional engineering practices with the unique challenges of fusion systems engineering. The focus is placed on the Breeding Blanket (BB) and Tritium Fuel Cycle (TFC) systems, both of which are pivotal for the availability and operability of future fusion power plants. A generic Fusion Power Plant (FPP) configuration has been adopted as the reference framework for this study. The application of the proposed approach to these systems provides concrete technical insights into its effectiveness. For the Breeding Blanket, integrated multi-physics parametric analyses enable the identification of feasible design envelopes capable of achieving tritium breeding ratios above unity while satisfying thermal and structural constraints. For the Tritium Fuel Cycle, the structured process-design approach supports the definition and preliminary sizing of key subsystems and enables early assessment of tritium inventory in the plant. These results also underscore the importance of early-stage standardisation in enhancing design transparency and reinforcing system integration within the overall plant architecture. Overall, the proposed approach can significantly streamline the design process and facilitate the transition from experimental devices to commercially viable fusion power plants, while supporting effective engagement with regulators and industrial stakeholders.