Thesis Work - Fusion energy – Technical challenges for fusion based power production

Are you a student looking to apply your knowledge to real-world solutions that support the energy transition? With us, you will have the opportunity to complete your thesis project close to the business, working alongside experienced specialists and tackling challenges where your ideas and perspectives can make a real difference. 

About the Thesis Work

At Vattenfall R&D and the Section Energy Systems & Processes we actively work to enable society’s energy transition. Our work covers a broad range of topics, from energy system analysis and evaluation of new fossil-free production technologies to fossil-free materials and analyses of the value chains required to make the transition happen.

Fusion energy has been a research field funded by public research programs for decades, often through international consortia and with long development horizons. In recent years, however, a clear shift has emerged. Numerous private fusion companies have been established, primarily financed through private capital, with strong expectations of rapid technological progress and commercialization of fusion power. For Vattenfall, it is important to understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with this technology in order to assess what is required for commercial fusion power to become a reality.

The purpose of this thesis project is to take a deep dive into some of the technical challenges that must be solved to enable commercial fusion power production. Two suggested focus areas are:

1. Fuel injection. How can fuel be supplied to the reactor in a way that sustains a fusion reaction capable of delivering sufficient energy production over time?
2. Energy extraction. How can the energy released from fusion plasma be extracted and converted into electricity generation?

The objective of the thesis work is to identify the most promising technical solutions based on publicly available information, analyze and assess their technical maturity, and evaluate what will be required for successful implementation. The study should include simplified energy and process calculations.

The assignment is for one student.

We are looking for a student who are about to complete their academic studies and are eager to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting through a thesis project at Vattenfall. You are someone who shares our values and identifies with our principles: Active, Open, Positive and Safety. 

• Education: Master of Science (M.Sc.) student (Civilingenjör in Swedish) in Applied Physics, Chemistry, Energy Systems, or a related field.
• Language proficiency: English or Swedish.
• Scope: 30 credits.

• Start date: 2027-01-15 or by agreement.
• Location: Solna
• Application – Submit a single file containing your CV and a copy of your academic transcripts. Please note that only one file can be uploaded with your application, so it is important that all required information is combined into the same document.
• Application deadline: 2026-10-18
• Contact person and supervisor at Vattenfall: Johan Westin, johan.westin@vattenfall.com, 070-511 7466.

Diversity and Inclusion – In Everything We Do 

At Vattenfall, we value being Active, Positive, Open, and Safety-conscious. We are looking for employees who share our vision and can contribute to strengthening our company culture. We believe that diversity helps build a more successful and attractive company, and we strive to be role models in diversity and inclusion. Vattenfall actively works to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of age, ethnic or cultural background, gender identity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or disability. Read more about how we work with diversity and inclusion here. 

Vattenfall is part of Sweden’s critical infrastructure, and many of our positions are therefore classified from a security perspective. If this position is security-classified, a security screening will be conducted prior to employment in accordance with the Swedish Security Protection Act. 

Vattenfall is a leading European energy company serving approximately 12 million customers and employing around 21,000 people. We believe there is a way to build a future where everyone can choose fossil-free ways to move, make, and live.