Power/energy: Magnetic fusion power: Controlled thermonuclear fusion power using magnetic confinement nows seems practical, but the best method remains uncertain

Controlled thermonuclear fusion power has long appeared to be the ideal solution to the energy crisis: a source of unlimited, cheap, clean energy whose fuels could be derived from sea water. Yet, the development of fusion power has proved exceedingly difficult, provoking widespread doubt that commercially feasible fusion reactors could be built within the present century. Now, as the result of impressive progress in the last three years, this doubt is evaporating. Scientists both within and outside the fusion research field are confident today that magnetic fields can confine the 100 million-Kelvin plasmas long enough for a reaction and that a demonstration commercial fusion reactor can be built by the year 2000.