Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) recently unveiled a new, state-of-the-art campus in Devens, Massachusetts that houses offices, manufacturing facilities, and SPARC – the world’s first net energy (Q>1) compact fusion system. To inspire, empower, and champion the next generation of energy stewards paving the way for equal energy access, CFS wanted to create an artwork that represents its vision for fusion energy.

Our goal was to engage key partners, stakeholders and guests visiting the campus with the core concepts of fusion energy and CFS’ technology. Transform the complex and hidden aspects of fusion energy systems (those at the molecular scale, or out of sight / below ground) into an inspirational visualization to support storytelling and education.

Our light-based artwork reflects key fusion energy concepts through form and movement. CFS’ “tokamak” fusion technology contains 18, D-shaped high temperature superconducting copper magnets – each the size of a car. They hold plasma particles in place to achieve the specific conditions necessary for fusion. Drawing inspiration from this tokamak structure, the installation also consists of 18, D-shaped copper light-emitting elements arrayed in a torus.

Through a guest’s interaction, the artwork moves between three narrative beats: opportunity, ecosystem, and roadmap.

In the first narrative beat, we see the world as it is today: just one illuminated light mirrors the imbalance of our world’s energy needs versus our available resources. The single light then expands to become many, representing fusion’s potential to meet global demand.

Second, we see a representation of the current fusion energy ecosystem: lights move in disconnected, staccato rhythms signaling a lack of alignment within the industry. The lights then find a clearer rhythm, mirroring the momentum, focus, and the commercialization approach which CFS is bringing to the fusion industry.

Finally, the torus of light becomes a temporal roadmap, illuminating each light in sequence until we see a completed torus. The light becomes incredibly intense, spilling into the entirety of the room: limitless possibility. This sequence demonstrates CFS’ vision to deploy 10,000 ARCs (the world’s first fusion power plants) by 2050.