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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.
G. Gibson, D. A. Sink, L. Green
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 1037-1042
Next-Generation Devices | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22995
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Three pathways to commercial fusion based on a tokamak driver have been developed and analyzed. These pathways are identified as 1) the fusion electric, 2) the fusion-fission hybrid, and 3) the integrated electric hybrid pathways. The analyses of the various pathways show significant differences in technology requirements. In developing these pathways special emphasis has been placed on the next device in the hybrid pathway which would follow TFTR. As part of this study a first version of the Fusion Technology Capabilities Compendium has been assembled. The compendium includes the driver, blanket, and fuel cycle technologies and it provided background information which has been used to identify critical R&D needs for a 1990's hybrid device.