Safeguard Requirements for Fusion Power Plants
Authors: Robert J. Goldston and Alexander Glaser
Abstract:
Nuclear proliferation risks from magnetic fusion energy associated with access to fissile materials
can be divided into three main categories: 1) clandestine production of fissile material in an
undeclared facility, 2) covert production and diversion of such material in a declared and
safeguarded facility, and 3) use of a declared facility in a breakout scenario, in which a state openly
produces fissile material in violation of international agreements. The degree of risk in each of these
categories is assessed, taking into account both state and non-state actors, and it is found that
safeguards are required for fusion energy to be highly attractive from a non-proliferation standpoint.
Specific safeguard requirements and R&D needs are outlined for each category of risk, and the
technical capability of the ITER experiment, under construction, to contribute to this R&D is noted.
A preliminary analysis indicates a potential legal pathway for fusion power systems to be brought
under the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. "Vertical" proliferation risks
associated with tritium and with the knowledge that can be gained from inertial fusion energy R&D
are outlined.
__________________________________________________
Submitted to: Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Conference (October 2012)
__________________________________________________
Download PPPL-4794 (pdf 491 KB 10 pp)
__________________________________________________