Magnetic fusion energy research and development

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5324914

This report on the Department of Energy's Magnetic Fusion Program was requested by the Secretary of Energy. The Panel finds that substantial progress has been made in the three years since the previous ERAB review, although budget constraints have precluded the engineering initiatives recommended in that review and authorized in the Magnetic Fusion Energy Engineering Act of 1980 (the Act). Recognizing that the goals of the Act cannot now be met, the Panel recommends that the engineering phase be further postponed in favor of a strong base program in physics and technology, including immediate commitment to a major new tokamak-based device for the investigation of an ignited long-pulse plasma designated in this report as the Burning Core Experiment or BCX. Resources to design such a device could be obtained from within the existing program by redirecting work toward to BCX. At this time it is not possible to assess accurately the potential economic viability of fusion power in the future. The Panel strongly recommends expansion of international collaboration, particularly the joint construction and operation of major new unique facilities, such as the proposed BCX.

• Research Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC. Energy Research Advisory Board
• OSTI ID: 5324914
• Report Number(s): DOE/S-0026; ON: DE84007089
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700200* -- Fusion Energy-- Fusion Power Plant Technology
COOPERATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
PLANNING
RECOMMENDATIONS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TOKAMAK TYPE REACTORS