An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy

The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Status and Challenges for Inertial Fusion Energy Drivers and Targets 3 Inertial Fusion Energy Technologies 4 A Roadmap for Inertial Fusion Energy Appendixes Appendix A: The Basic Science of Inertial Fusion Energy Appendix B: Statements of Task Appendix C: Agendas for Committee Meetings and Site Visits Appendix D: Agendas for Meetings of the Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Targets Appendix E: Bibliography of Previous Inertial Confinement Fusion Studies Consulted by the Committee Appendix F: Foreign Inertial Fusion Energy Programs Appendix G: Glossary and Acronyms Appendix H: Summary from the Report of the Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Targets (Unclassified Version) Appendix I: Technical Discussion of the Recent Results from the National Ignition Facility Appendix J: Detailed Discussion of Technology Applications Event Profiles