Potential Benefits of Inertial Fusion Energy Justify Continued Research and Development
ScienceDaily reported on the National Academies report on inertial fusion energy, “An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy.” The report concluded that the potential benefits of commercializing fusion energy justify continued R&D support. Also, once “ignition” is achieved – more energy produced than is put in – a national, coordinated, broad-based program to develop fusion energy would be required to carry it forward. From the ScienceDaily article:
The potential benefits of successful development of an inertial confinement fusion-based energy technology justify investment in fusion energy research and development as part of the long-term U.S. energy R&D portfolio, says a new report from the National Research Council. Although ignition of the fusion fuel has not yet been achieved, scientific and technological progress in inertial confinement fusion over the past decade has been substantial. Developing inertial fusion energy would require establishment of a national, coordinated, broad-based program, but achievement of ignition is a prerequisite.
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