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Title: LIFE: The Case for Early Commercialization of Fusion Energy

Abstract

This paper presents the case for early commercialization of laser inertial fusion energy (LIFE). Results taken from systems modeling of the US electrical generating enterprise quantify the benefits of fusion energy in terms of carbon emission, nuclear waste and plutonium production avoidance. Sensitivity of benefits-gained to timing of market-entry is presented. These results show the importance of achieving market entry in the 2030 time frame. Economic modeling results show that fusion energy can be competitive with other low-carbon energy sources. The paper concludes with a description of the LIFE commercialization path. It proposes constructing a demonstration facility capable of continuous fusion operations within 10 to 15 years. This facility will qualify the processes and materials needed for a commercial fusion power plant.

Authors:
; ; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1028882
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-463536
TRN: US1105532
DOE Contract Number:  
W-7405-ENG-48
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Fusion Science and Technology
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 60; Journal Issue: 1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES; 70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY; 42 ENGINEERING; AVOIDANCE; CARBON; COMMERCIALIZATION; ECONOMICS; ENERGY SOURCES; LASERS; MARKET; PLUTONIUM; POWER PLANTS; PRODUCTION; RADIOACTIVE WASTES; SENSITIVITY; SIMULATION; THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS

Citation Formats

Anklam, T, Simon, A J, Powers, S, and Meier, W R. LIFE: The Case for Early Commercialization of Fusion Energy. United States: N. p., 2010. Web.
Anklam, T, Simon, A J, Powers, S, & Meier, W R. LIFE: The Case for Early Commercialization of Fusion Energy. United States.
Anklam, T, Simon, A J, Powers, S, and Meier, W R. 2010. "LIFE: The Case for Early Commercialization of Fusion Energy". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1028882.
@article{osti_1028882,
title = {LIFE: The Case for Early Commercialization of Fusion Energy},
author = {Anklam, T and Simon, A J and Powers, S and Meier, W R},
abstractNote = {This paper presents the case for early commercialization of laser inertial fusion energy (LIFE). Results taken from systems modeling of the US electrical generating enterprise quantify the benefits of fusion energy in terms of carbon emission, nuclear waste and plutonium production avoidance. Sensitivity of benefits-gained to timing of market-entry is presented. These results show the importance of achieving market entry in the 2030 time frame. Economic modeling results show that fusion energy can be competitive with other low-carbon energy sources. The paper concludes with a description of the LIFE commercialization path. It proposes constructing a demonstration facility capable of continuous fusion operations within 10 to 15 years. This facility will qualify the processes and materials needed for a commercial fusion power plant.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1028882}, journal = {Fusion Science and Technology},
number = 1,
volume = 60,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Nov 30 00:00:00 EST 2010},
month = {Tue Nov 30 00:00:00 EST 2010}
}