RSE and the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council (CNR-INO) today signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop studies, research activities, and experimentation in the field of nuclear fusion by inertial confinement (Inertial Fusion Energy – IFE).

The protocol aims to carry out research activities and promote the development of innovative technologies for the production of nuclear fusion energy through high-power lasers, with the goal of advancing scientific knowledge in a strategic sector for the energy transition.

The agreement, which will last 36 months, will see RSE and CNR-INO collaborate by leveraging their state-of-the-art infrastructures, such as RSE’s mechanical and structural materials characterization laboratories and CNR-INO’s Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory (ILIL).

“This agreement marks an important step forward in nuclear fusion research, one of the most challenging technologies to ensure a sustainable and competitive energy system for our country,” said Franco Cotana, CEO of RSE. “The collaboration with CNR-INO is part of a path initiated by RSE in the field of inertial confinement nuclear fusion, which, following the agreement with Blue Laser Fusion (BLF) led by Nobel Laureate Shuji Nakamura, sees us increasingly committed to developing skills and technologies in this area, confirming the important role of research and of RSE in the future of global energy,” Cotana added.

Also highlighting the initiative was Paolo De Natale, Acting Director of CNR-INO, who explained: “With the PNRR, the National Institute of Optics has developed Italy’s largest Research Infrastructure in the field of photonics, I-PHOQS, which includes the high-energy laser infrastructure. The expertise and instrumentation developed will be essential for Italy’s experimentation in inertial fusion.”

The research activities will focus on advanced simulations, high-energy particle generation, development of measurement systems and diagnostics for laser plasmas, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to optimize the management and utilization of data in high repetition rate laser facilities.

Luciano Martini, Director of the Generation Technologies and Materials Department at RSE, stated: “The formalization of the technical-scientific collaboration already underway between RSE and CNR-INO represents a very important step toward creating a national strategy to enhance knowledge and expertise for the development of inertial confinement fusion in Italy and Europe.”

“This agreement will help foster research and training activities that are crucial for consolidating our scientific community’s leadership role in view of the imminent launch of the HiPER+ programme for inertial fusion energy in Europe,” explained Leonida Antonio Gizzi, Head of the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory and coordinator of Inertial Fusion activities at CNR-INO.

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