Google Backs Australian University’s Push to Speed Up Fusion Energy Research With AI

The Australian National University (ANU) has received funding from Google.org to enhance a vital fusion energy software tool with artificial intelligence. This project, led by Professor Matthew Hole, will upgrade SPEC, a globally used software for modeling magnetic fields in fusion reactions. The initiative is part of Google.org’s effort to leverage AI for designing and analyzing future fusion energy devices, amidst increasing investor interest in the technology.

• The Australian National University (ANU) received funding from Google.org for fusion energy software upgrades.
• The project will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the SPEC software, used worldwide for plasma modeling in fusion research.
• Professor Matthew Hole is leading the project at ANU.
• The funding is part of Google.org’s Plasma Code Modernisation and AI-Assisted Fusion Simulation Awards initiative.
• This initiative aims to help scientists design and analyze future fusion energy devices using AI and advanced computing.
• Record sums are being invested in fusion energy, though it has not yet produced commercial electricity.