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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.
Nobuyuki Inoue
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 293-297
Fusion Technology Plenary | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963251
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Japanese fusion program emphasizes development of fusion as a candidate of an innovative future energy source, and the ITER project is regarded as the core program in the current strategy. Extensive program review is currently performed to make a decision on the next phase activity of ITER toward construction, and some committees are reporting the results of their assessment. Major decision will be made within a year. Fusion program is also important from the aspect of basic study of science, practical application of advanced technology, and education. Alternative confinement studies and broad range of fusion related technical activities are performed under the overall fusion policy in Japan. One of the highlight is the successful initial operation of superconducting helical device, LHD. Large tokamak JT-60 plan a major modification to equip superconducting magnets in near future. Technology development is focused on blanket research and material study. As a whole, Japanese program encompasses power reactor development through ITER, and contribution to the international society by its research activity on science and technology.