FPN02-80

Academy Report Endorses ITER

December 20, 2002

In a letter interim report dated December 20, a committee of the National Academies has recommended to DOE Office of Science director Raymond Orbach "that the United States enter ITER negotiations while the strategy for an expanded U.S. fusion program is further defined and evaluated." The letter, signed by co-chairs John Ahearne and Raymond Fonck, says "A strategically balanced fusion program, including meaningful U.S. participation in ITER and a strong domestic program, must be maintained, recognizing that this will eventually require a substantial augmentation in fusion program funding in addition to the direct financial commitment to ITER construction."

The committee cautions "the fusion community is aging and has long range demographic problems. New people are required if the nation is to expand its efforts and make the program endure." The panel also notes "a (fusion) technology program without a strong science base, or a science program without a strong technology base, will leave the United States in a position where it cannot build effectively on the developments coming from more advanced programs abroad." "In addition to supporting a burning plasma experiment, the U.S. fusion program must continue a parallel effort focused on developing the scientific base for attractive fusion reactor concepts," the commitee report said.

The full report is posted at http://fire.pppl.gov