Fusion power plants-goals and technological challenges

Fusion is one of a few future power sources with the potential to be both economically acceptable and have attractive safety and environmental characteristics. In addition fusion fuel is inexhaustible, readily available, and affordable. Fusion can be an important option in the energy mix for the future because of environmental, supply, and political difficulties associated with fossil fuels and present-day nuclear power. An overview of the technological requirements for fusion power plants is given and their economic, safety, and environmental features are explored. Conceptual design studies predict that fusion power plants will be capital intensive and will be used as central electric power station. The cost of electricity from these power stations is estimated be comparable to other sources of energy. In addition, by using "low-activation" materials and care in design, fusion safety and environmental advantages (with respect to consequences of accidents, waste-disposal, and air pollution, etc.) can be realized. These advantages of fusion will not, however, be achieved automatically and a significant science and technology development program will be required for their realization.