Fusion--A Possible Option for Solving Long-Term Energy Problems
EMD-79-27: Published: Sep 28, 1979. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 1979.
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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.
From a research classification standpoint, fusion is in the applied research phase of development, but portions of both the magnetic and inertial confinement fusion efforts are still in the basic or fundamental research phase. Therefore, it is premature to assume that all the problems that may be encountered have been identified. Experimental data indicate that some formidable physics and engineering problems remain. It is only after these problems are resolved and scientific and engineering feasibility are demonstrated that the commercial potential of fusion as an energy source can be determined. During its consideration of the fiscal year 1979 budget Congress chose not to separate funding for civilian uses of inertial confinement fusion from military funding of it. GAO agreed that a separately funded civilian use program is not yet needed. This should come after breakeven and scientific feasibility have been proven. While continued funding of fusion research is needed to keep this energy option open, the Congress, in considering the adequacy of requested funding levels for fusion should be mindful that fusion energy should not be looked to as a means for solving the Nation's near- or mid-term energy problems.
Dec 10, 2020
Uranium Management:
Actions to Mitigate Risks to Domestic Supply Chain Could Be Better Planned and CoordinatedGAO-21-28: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020.
Dec 8, 2020
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Offshore Wind Energy:
Planned Projects May Lead to Construction of New Vessels in the U.S., but Industry Has Made Few Decisions amid UncertaintiesGAO-21-153: Published: Dec 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 8, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Nuclear Waste Disposal:
Better Planning Needed to Avoid Potential Disruptions at Waste Isolation Pilot PlantGAO-21-48: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Oct 29, 2020
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Nuclear Safety:
DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance OversightGAO-21-141: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 2020.
Oct 15, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Plans to Modernize Critical Depleted Uranium Capabilities and Improve Program ManagementGAO-21-16: Published: Oct 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 2020.
Jul 24, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
Action Needed to Address the W80-4 Warhead Program's Schedule ConstraintsGAO-20-409: Published: Jul 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 24, 2020.
Jun 24, 2020
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National Nuclear Security Administration:
Analyzing Cost Savings Program Could Result in Wider Use and Additional Contractor EfficienciesGAO-20-451: Published: Jun 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 24, 2020.
Jun 9, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Needs to Incorporate Additional Management Controls Over Its Microelectronics ActivitiesGAO-20-357: Published: Jun 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2020.
May 13, 2020
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Environmental Liabilities:
DOE Needs to Better Plan for Post-Cleanup Challenges Facing SitesGAO-20-373: Published: May 13, 2020. Publicly Released: May 13, 2020.
May 12, 2020
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Hanford Waste Treatment Plant:
DOE Is Pursuing Pretreatment Alternatives, but Its Strategy Is Unclear While Costs Continue to RiseGAO-20-363: Published: May 12, 2020. Publicly Released: May 12, 2020.
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