Status of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor Project

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor project is the Department of Energy's (DOE) largest single effort in trying to bring about an experimental fusion power reactor. The completion date changed from June 1980 to March 1982, and the estimated cost has risen from $215 million to $239 million, exclusive of costs to be funded from operating expense appropriations. Although the project is dependent upon capital and operating funds, DOE has limited project definition to capital funded activities. The current total estimated cost to complete the project is $387.6 million, including $148.6 million to be funded from the operating budget. The total cost of the project is not readily ascertainable because DOE reports only the capital funded portions when presenting project cost data. DOE should provide Congress with all estimated costs associated with the project. Also, alternatives should be presented outlining the effects on cost and schedule if stated funding requirements are not approved.