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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.
Charles C. Baker
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 8 | Number 1 | July 1985 | Pages 707-716
Power Reactor Studies | Proceedings of the Sixth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (San Francisco, California, March 3-7, 1985) | doi.org/10.13182/FST85-A40122
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
It has been five years or more since the last major studies were completed of the tokamak as a commercial power reactor. During that time there have been major physics and technology developments in magnetic fusion as well as programmatic and political changes. There exists a significant number of new ideas which can substantially improve the tokamak concept as a power reactor. This paper outlines some major goals and new directions for a series of scoping studies - Tokamak Power Systems Studies - which are currently in progress.