Energy from Inertial Fusion

TLDR

Fusion offers a safe, clean energy source that is not constrained by political boundaries, and inertial fusion promises a smaller demonstration facility than magnetic fusion. The article aims to outline concepts for an inertial fusion power plant, highlighting its benefits and proposing a low‑cost reactor test facility. The proposed approach involves designing a low‑cost reactor test facility to develop practical fusion power.

Abstract

Fusion is potentially a safe clean source not limited by political boundaries. Magnetic and inertial fusion share this promise, but there are differences between them. An inertial fusion power plant is based on different physics and technology from a magnetic fusion power plant and therefore presents somewhat different benefits and challenges. The facilities required to demonstrate inertial fusion power are potentially much smaller. In this article we describe concepts for such a power plant, its beneficial features and a low-cost reactor test facility for developing practical fusion power.