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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Clay E. Easterly
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 2 | Number 4 | October 1982 | Pages 723-729
Technical Paper | Safety/Environmental Aspect | doi.org/10.13182/FST82-A20811
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Fusion power stations utilizing the deuterium-tritium reaction may not result in significantly different occupational radiation exposures than are obtained currently at light water reactor (LWR) stations, even with modest advances in remote control technology. The primary reasons for this observation follow. 1. Mobile activation products will be generated at about twice the rate of LWRs. 2. A significantly greater amount of work in elevated radiation zones is associated with repair and maintenance of not only the blanket and first wall, but also the large number of diagnostic and auxiliary systems required for fusion that are not required for fission. 3. The prevalence of tritium throughout most of the reactor complex and the fuels and materials cycle. Very few specific numbers can be estimated with reasonable certainty at present; however, the general picture of occupational hazards at fusion reactors is slowly taking a rough form.