Fusion is the holy grail of electricity generation. When the technology is available it will become the main workhorse of electricity generation, especially if the costs per KW are very low. It will most likely replace existing GHG emitting power stations (coal and natural gas), and may make other renewable solutions obsolete. If the cost of electricity becomes very low it may create a paradigm shift in our use of energy and in the American way of life.
The catch is that we do not know if or when fusion will be possible, whether it could be commercialized and at what speed and costs. It could be that the first experiment will be successful within a decade, but it could take as long as the end of the century. Our forecast is for the first successful fusion in the lab in 10-15 years. Commercial implementation: another 10-15 years.
This leads us to the following conclusions:
- Do not build any assumption of Fusion availability into the U.S. energy policy
- Fusion could provide the U.S. with a tremendous strategic advantage. The first nation to implement a commercial fusion power plant will win the energy race and will enjoy the economic fruits for decades.
- It can also be part of an ultimate solution package for global warming.
- We should continue with our heavy investment in R&D on the subject and increase it if necessary.
- Once a breakthrough is achieved, the U.S. energy policy will have to be revolutionized.
The fastest, lowest risk, most cost effective path to fusion energy is to pursue an integrated approach and to foster competition between concepts. An integrated approach is needed because development… Read more »
The realization of fusion energy is still decades away. If 50 years of fusion research has taught us anything, it is that fusion is a very difficult problem. Anything to… Read more »
What is most needed at this point in the fusion energy sciences research program is a strategic plan for the development of fusion as an energy source. Such a plan… Read more »
The United States must convert its “Fusion Energy Sciences” program within the Department of Energy into a “Fusion Energy” program so that essential technology can be developed in the U.S.… Read more »
Fusion energy, including magnetic and inertial fusion, is one of only a few sufficient candidate sources of energy for the future of the world (including fission, solar, wind and sustainably-engineered… Read more »
The only bullet that is completly rational is – “Do not build any assumptions on (future)availability…” , and the other questionable bullet is on spending – “….and increase it if… Read more »
After a ten month process involving a large fraction of the magnetic fusion community, and culminating in a June 8-12 Workshop, a report has been issued entitled “Research Needs for… Read more »
Now that we know it will be 15 years or more for ITER to begin serious experiments with deuterium and tritium fusion reactor fuel, it behooves the United States to… Read more »