3.3: Practical Fusion Energy Systems

Determine the most promising approaches and configurations to confining hot plasmas for practical fusion energy systems.

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Both magnetic and inertial confinement approaches to fusion have potential for practical fusion-energy producing systems. Within each of these two broad approaches, there are many possible configurations and designs for practical fusion systems, almost certainly including some yet to be conceived. Our strategy includes the following emphases: • In line with the recommendations of the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Council, we will continue vigorous investigation of both magnetic and inertial confinement approaches. • Innovative magnetic confinement configurations will be explored through experiments, such as the National Spherical Torus Experiment at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and a planned compact stellarator experiment, as well as smaller experiments at multiple sites, and through advanced simulation and modeling. • Heavy ion beams, dense plasma beams, lasers, or other innovative approaches (e.g., fast ignition) to produce high-energy density plasmas will be explored for potential applications to inertial fusion energy. • Research in high-energy density physics will be supported in coordination with other Federal agencies. • The NNSA’s National Ignition Facility, along with other experiments and simulations in the U.S., will provide definitive data on inertial fusion target physics.

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