The Fusion Dilemma

Abstract

Within the next five years the fusion research programme should remove any doubts as to the feasibility of burning fusion fuels controllably on a terrestrial scale. How it can be done in a manner suitable for the economic generation of power is another question, the answer to which requires the participation of a wide range of disciplines. The present position in fusion research is here reviewed and discussed with respect to important requirements which can already be identified for an economic reactor. Meeting these requirements calls for a mission-oriented project, whose timely evolution from one with a research orientation, is a challenging management problem. The cost-effectiveness of future expenditure is very dependent upon acknowledging this challenge and honestly facing the difficult tasks which it presents.