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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.
B. A. Engholm, E. T. Cheng, K. R. Schultz
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 10 | Number 3 | November 1986 | Pages 1290-1296
Fusion Application | doi.org/10.13182/FST86-A24908
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Radioisotope production in fusion reactors is being investigated as part of the Fusion Applications and Market Evaluation (FAME) study.[1] 60Co is the most promising such product identified to date, since the 60Co demand for medical and food sterilization is strong and the potential output from a fusion reactor is high. Some of the other radioisotopes considered are 99Tc, 131I, several Eu isotopes, and 210Po. Among the stable isotopes of interest are 197Au, 103Rh, and Os. In all cases, heat or electricity can be coproduced from the fusion reactor, with overall attractive economics.