Engineering Innovations: Is Fission Too Conservative or Fusion Too Optimistic

BIOGRAPHY

Koroush Shirvan is an associate professor of nuclear science and engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the current Director of Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives by National Academy for Nuclear Training, Director of Accident Tolerant Fuel Integrated Research Project (IRP), PI of MIT ARC-20 project as part of the Advanced Demonstration Reactor Program and PI of Space Nuclear Testing program at MIT reactor.  His research focuses on innovations in reactor design and fuel engineering.  He has released opensource software in AI/ML and cost as part of industry funded projects.  He currently supervises 17 graduate students.

ABSTRACT

The nuclear fission energy sector predominantly relies on innovations from the 1960s to 1980s, largely due to the high costs associated with modern nuclear demonstration activities.  Conversely, the fusion energy sector invests heavily in exploring new, riskier frontiers with the aim of achieving commercialization.  This seminar will delve into whether the fission community is overly conservative or if the fusion community is overly optimistic.  WE will examine the barriers to the development of advanced nuclear technologies and argue that engineering-based solutions remain crucial for unlocking commercial nuclear technology and establishing viable business models.