Fusion energy siting needs community input for successful deployment.

The successful deployment of fusion energy, a potentially transformative source of clean power, necessitates more than just technological advancement; it demands public acceptance and trust. Unlike conventional fission reactors, future fusion facilities may be located closer to communities, requiring a proactive approach to address public concerns and integrate local values into the design process. Nathan Kawamoto, Daniel Hoover, and colleagues from the University of Michigan investigate public perceptions and preferences regarding the design of these facilities, presenting their findings in ‘Public perspectives on the design of fusion energy facilities’. Their research details a participatory design workshop involving community members and engineering students, revealing key values – notably integrity and respect – and decision-making criteria, such as economic benefits and environmental protection, that shape public expectations for fusion energy infrastructure.

Development of fusion energy facilities necessitates a shift from traditional, top-down decision-making towards proactive public engagement, employing participatory design methodologies. Research demonstrates a clear prioritisation of values such as integrity and respect, alongside practical considerations like economic benefits and environmental protection/safety, when conceptualising future facilities, thereby establishing a foundation for responsible innovation.

Researchers actively apply sociotechnical systems thinking to nuclear innovation, recognising that successful implementation demands consideration not only of the technical aspects of energy systems, but also the social, political and cultural contexts within which they operate. This framework acknowledges the complex interplay between technology and society, seeking to overcome barriers to innovation through a holistic and effective development process. Sociotechnical systems thinking moves beyond purely technical optimisation, recognising that a system’s success depends on the alignment of its technical components with the needs and values of the people who use and are affected by it.

This research employs participatory design, bringing together community members and engineering students in workshops and design sessions to collaboratively develop facility concepts. Analysis of workshop data reveals consistent themes across proposed designs, including a desire to connect facilities to local history, prioritise worker well-being, ensure transparency, and safeguard community health, demonstrating a shared vision for responsible development. This collaborative approach moves beyond simply minimising negative impacts, actively seeking to create facilities perceived as positive community assets, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

Early engagement proves crucial, cultivating understanding and curiosity about fusion energy and building trust. Participants consistently express positive sentiment throughout the design process, indicating that early involvement fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, creating a more receptive environment for innovation. This contrasts with traditional approaches where public consultation often occurs late in the development process, potentially leading to resistance and delays.

The prominence of design-focused categories – “General Design & Innovation”, “Participatory Design”, and “Human-Centered Design” – underscores the commitment to incorporating public perspectives into the development process. This focus reflects a growing recognition that technological innovation must be aligned with societal values and needs to achieve long-term success and public acceptance. The research establishes a new paradigm for responsible innovation in nuclear technologies, specifically fusion energy, by prioritising proactive public engagement and collaborative design.