Fusion--A Possible Option for Solving Long-Term Energy Problems

GAO reviewed the history and status of fusion energy research to provide an overview of the Department of Enegy's (DOE) magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion programs. DOE officials are optimistic that fusion energy will become a commercially feasible power source in the 21st century. Recent experimental results indicate that the scientific breakeven for fusion reactors will come in the mid-1980s. However, scientific and engineering feasibility must be proven and commercial practicality demonstrated. According to DOE estimates it will cost $18 billion for a fusion reactor of an economically competitive design to be realized in a safe, environmentally acceptable manner.