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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, Gorman S. Hill, Johnnie B. Cannon
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 16 | Number 2 | September 1989 | Pages 125-136
Technical Paper | Safety/Environmental Aspect | doi.org/10.13182/FST89-A29141
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Releases of tritium and activation products from a reference fusion reactor under normal operating conditions were evaluated for the radiation doses to local and global populations. Maximum annual total body dose commitment from all sources of effluents to an individual at the plant boundary is 0.5 mrems. The annual total body dose commitment from all effluents to the population of 1 million persons living within 80 km of the plant is 7 person-rems. These exposures are small fractions of the doses resulting from existing background radiation. Global doses due to tritium and 14C releases from the reference fusion reactor are small fractions of doses resulting from naturally occurring tritium and 14C.