The role of NIF in developing inertial fusion energy
The proposed National Ignition Facility (NIF) will provide LLNL researchers as well as others in the scientific community committed to developing Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) with the means of developing and testing data and materials that are key to the long-term goal of building and operating IFE power plants as clean, viable, environmentally safe sources of inexhaustible energy. When the NIF demonstrates fusion ignition, which is central to proving the feasibility of IFE, it will tell us much about IFE target optimization and fabrication, provide important data on fusion-chamber phenomena and technologies, and demonstrate the safe and environmentally benign operation of an IFE power plant. In accomplishing these tasks, the NIF will also provide the basis for future decisions about IFE development programs and facilities, such as the planned Engineering Test Facility (ETF). Furthermore, it will allow the US to expand its expertise in inertial fusion and supporting industrial technology as well as promote US leadership in energy technologies, provide clean, viable alternatives to oil and other polluting fossil fuels, and reduce energy-related emissions of greenhouse gases.
- OSTI ID:
- 50734
- Journal Information:
- Energy and Technology Review, Journal Name: Energy and Technology Review; ISSN 0884-5050; ISSN ETRED7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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