Safety: a proportionate approach in an uncertain application

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Energy Systems
• Safety Science

Background:

• Fusion energy offers a potentially safer alternative to nuclear fission due to the absence of chain reactions.
• Despite inherent safety benefits, fusion power plants present unique operational hazards requiring rigorous management.
• The development of fusion energy, particularly the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project, necessitates a robust safety framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the critical importance of comprehensive safety demonstrations for fusion power plants.
• To establish the foundational safety philosophies, functional requirements, and design principles for the STEP prototype plant's safety case.
• To ensure a consistent and robust process for developing the safety case for future fusion energy facilities.

Main Methods:

• Development of a safety case based on established safety philosophies.
• Implementation of safety functional requirements and design safety principles.
• Systematic hazard identification and management for radiological and non-radiological risks.

Main Results:

• Fusion power is inherently safer than fission, lacking nuclear chain reactions.
• Operating fusion power plants will involve manageable, non-inherent hazards.
• A structured approach to safety case development is essential for regulatory approval.

Conclusions:

• A robust safety demonstration is vital for the permissioning and consenting of fusion power plants.
• The STEP project will adhere to defined safety principles for consistent safety case production.
• Proactive management of all hazards is key to the safe realization of fusion energy.