Fusion: A necessary component of US energy policy
US energy policy must ensure that its security, its economy, or its world leadership in technology development are not compromised by failure to meet the nation's electrical energy needs. Increased concerns over the greenhouse effect from fossil-fuel combustion mean that US energy policy must consider how electrical energy dependence on oil and coal can be lessened by conservation, renewable energy sources, and advanced energy options (nuclear fission, solar energy, and thermonuclear fusion). In determining how US energy policy is to respond to these issues, it will be necessary to consider what role each of the three advanced energy options might play, and to determine how these options can complement one another. This paper reviews and comments on the principal US studies and legislation that have addressed fusion since 1980, and then suggests a research, development, and demonstration program that is consistent with the conclusions of those prior authorities and that will allow us to determine how fusion technology can fit into a US energy policy that takes a balanced, long term view of US needs. 17 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6451703
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-100194; CONF-890182-1; ON: DE89006234; TRN: 89-008024
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: McGraw-Hill nuclear publication's forum on US energy policy and nuclear option, Washington, DC, USA, 31 Jan 1989; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
LEGISLATION
REVIEWS
THERMONUCLEAR FUELS
ENERGY POLICY
BUDGETS
COMPACT IGNITION TOKAMAK
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
SAFETY
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TFTR TOKAMAK
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
DOCUMENT TYPES
FUELS
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TOKAMAK TYPE REACTORS
700000* - Fusion Energy
290000 - Energy Planning & Policy