Fusion & the Environment

A Safe, Environmentally Sound Energy Source

The motivation for pursuing controlled fusion is not based solely on technological and economic factors. Widespread introduction of fusion energy power plants could substantially reduce the environmental impacts of increasing worldwide demands for electricity. A reliable and secure electricty supply could ensure that the energy needs associated with continuted economic growth are satisfied. The safety of fusion power plants would provide additional ecological benefits that should help to promote public interest in the goal of a substantial production capactity for fusion energy in the future. However, a number of issues associated with fusion power must be considered before controlled fusion can reach its potential as an environmentally benign source of energy.

Although the reaction products and most of the radioactivity induced in a fusion reactor vessel woulkd be short-lived, the use of fusion to generate power would still produce high-energy neutrons. Powerplant designs must incorporate materials that minimize the radioactivity induced by these neutrons. Such materials are being developed, but will require substantial testing with neutrons simulating a fusion environment before they can be used in fusion device. Special methods also will be needed for the efficient generation and recovery of tritium fuels, for the extraction of heat for electricity generation, and for refueling. While radioactive byproducts generated by a fusion power reactor should be considerably less than those from a conventional fission power reactor, the issues of radioactive waste and decommissioning associated with fusion still will need to be addressed.

Click to see the relative rate of radioactive decay for advanced materials proposed for use in fusion reactors.

Another interesting perspective on the desirability of Fusion Power is contained in P. K. Kaw's 1992 Artsimovich Memorial Lecture on Fusion Power, Who Needs It?

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