PPPL-4733
Summary of the International Workshop on Magnetic Fusion Energy (MFE) Roadmapping in the ITER Era;
Authors: G H Neilson, G Federici, J Li, D Maisonnier, R Wolf
Abstract: With the ITER project now well under way, the countries engaged in fusion
research are planning, with renewed intensity, the research and major facilities needed to
develop the science and technology for harnessing fusion energy. The Workshop on MFE
Roadmapping in the ITER Era was organized to provide a timely forum for an international
exchange of technical information and strategic perspectives on how best to tackle the
remaining challenges leading to a magnetic fusion DEMO, a nuclear fusion device or devices
with a level of physics and technology integration necessary to cover the essential elements of
a commercial fusion power plant. Presentations addressed issues under four topics:
1) Perspectives on DEMO and the roadmap to DEMO; 2) Technology; 3) Physics-Technology
integration and optimization; and 4) Major facilities on the path to DEMO. Participants
identified a set of technical issues of high strategic importance, where the development
strategy strongly influences the overall roadmap, and where there are divergent
understandings in the world community, namely: 1) the assumptions used in fusion design
codes, 2) the strategy for fusion materials development, 3) the strategy for blanket
development, 4) the strategy for plasma exhaust solution development, and 5) the
requirements and state of readiness for next-step facility options. It was concluded that there is
a need to continue and to focus the international discussion concerning the scientific and
technical issues that determine the fusion roadmap, and it was suggested that an international
activity be organized under appropriate auspices to foster international cooperation on these
issues.
__________________________________________________
Submitted to: Nuclear Fusion (January 2012)
__________________________________________________
Download PPPL-4733 (pdf 569 KB 15 pp)
__________________________________________________