Defining the Engineering Roadmap for High-Field Tokamak-Based Fusion Plants: Lessons Learned from SPARC

Developing tokamak-based fusion power plants requires an efficient and robust engineering roadmap aligned with plasma physics requirements. Drawing upon lessons learned from the SPARC project, a high-field tokamak net energy plant, this study defines a comprehensive roadmap laying out the interdependencies of key engineering decisions, parallel and interconnected work, key interface development, and more. We discuss the major design deliverables and milestones that are key for rapid progress. This includes product breakdown of the plant, which major interfaces need to be defined to unlock further stages of the project, major cross-functional topics that need to be considered in each stage of the design, and the organization of a joint engineering and physics team for effective execution. Lessons learned from the SPARC engineering program will guide ARC power plant development, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce development time, and enhance robustness. By leveraging these insights, the roadmap aims to inform and optimize engineering decision-making, minimize risks, and expedite progress towards realizing fusion energy as a safe, sustainable, and economically viable power source.