Bringing Fusion to the U.S. Grid

Fusion energy offers the prospect of addressing the nation's energy needs and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon emission electrical generation infrastructure. Technology and research results from U.S. investments in the major fusion burning plasma experiment known as ITER, coupled with a strong foundation of research funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), position the United States to begin planning for its first fusion pilot plant. Strong interest from the private sector is an additional motivating factor, as the process of decarbonizing and modernizing the nation's electric infrastructure accelerates and companies seek to lead the way. At the request of DOE, Bringing Fusion to the U.S. Grid builds upon the work of the 2019 report Final Report of the Committee on a Strategic Plan for U.S. Burning Plasma Research to identify the key goals and innovations - independent of confinement concept - that are needed to support the development of a U.S. fusion pilot plant that can serve as a model for producing electricity at the lowest possible capital cost. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Role of the Pilot Plant on the Path to Commercialization 3 Goals for a Fusion Pilot Plant 4 Innovations and Research Needed to Address Key Fusion Pilot Plant Goals 5 Strategy and Roadmap for a Pilot Plant Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Biographies of Committee Members Appendix C: Committee Meeting Agendas