carlo ratti + italo rota envision the design of tomorrow’s fusion power plants

A highly sustainable Fusion Power Plants by CRA + italo rota

International design and innovation office Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) and architect Italo Rota joined forces to create a conceptual model that visualizes the design of tomorrow’s fusion power plants. Produced together with energy company Eni, the project is dedicated to magnetic confinement fusion — one of the most auspicious technologies for sustainable energy production.

Unveiled at Rome’s Maker Faire and set within a giant gasholder that spans 50 meters in height and 40 in width, the project takes shape as a mock-up of the ring-shaped Tokamak reactor, inviting visitors to explore this leading-edge technology. Following an ascending path that embraces the circular structure, one can enter the chamber, which is flooded with a red-lit immersive backdrop. There, a series of multimedia content enhance the sensorial journey and narrates the technology and its ongoing scientific investigations, calling young and old to discover them.

all images ©Moreno Maggi, unless stated otherwise

the full-width image above ©Andrea Sorrento

a project that celebrates magnetic confinement fusion

Carlo Ratti Associati (see more here) and Italo Rota (more here), together with energy company Eni, illustrate magnetic confinement fusion — one of the most innovative technologies for the decarbonization of energy systems. As part of Maker Faire Rome, Europe’s leading event for the community of Makers, the project is situated at the site of Gazometro Ostiense, one of the principal marks of the Italian capital’s modern industrial heritage. ‘We have the chance to explore new forms of storytelling about energy,’ adds Italo Rota, co-designer of the installation. ‘We believe that design is a powerful tool to turn a narration into an experience, allowing visitors to sense the energy while being surrounded by a unique atmosphere.’

The project reflects Eni’s work on magnetic confinement, which has been growing in the last few years through a series of academic collaborations. As the team explains, during the process of magnetic confinement, the fusion of two hydrogen nuclei releases an enormous amount of energy. This phenomenon mimics the events inside the sun and other stars. What’s most beneficial about this technology is that it creates a safe and virtually inexhaustible source of energy. During its operation, there are no greenhouse gas emissions, high pollution, or highly radioactive substances.

set within a large gasholder that spans 50 meters in height and 40 in width | image ©Andrea Sorrento a Tokamak reactor mock-up sparks curiosity and invites young and older to explore further