In a letter to Dr. Orbach transmitting the report, FESAC chair Richard Hazeltine said "FESAC considers the report to be carefully researched and argued, and we find its conclusions to be sound."

The report identifies four categories of fusion applications beyond the production of electricity: Near-Term Applications, Transmutation, Hydrogen Production and Space Propulsion. In each category, applications are evaluated in terms of their societal value and technological challenge, and also compared to competing technologies. Opportunities that appear worthwhile, achievable and potentially competitive are identified in all four categories.

Hazeltine said it is encouraging, for example, that "progress in the development of small, portable fusion devices may lead to their use for local PET isotope production and the detection of clandestine materials." In addition, Hazeltine noted, the panel sees a need to emphasize "production of hydrogen as a goal of the Fusion Program, and as an element in the fusion research planning." He said, "The Fusion Program should immediately become an active participant in the U.S. Interagency Hydrogen Research and Development Task Force."

Hazeltine said FESAC agrees with the statement in the report that "these opportunities should not be pursued at the expense of existing programs, particularly since the fusion program has seen many significant budget cuts, particularly in the area of technology." The letter concludes, "Within that constraint, however, we believe that including non-electric fusion applications in fusion program goals is a sensible and beneficial strategy. The panel has outlined an approach that could address relevant issues with minimal impact on an already constrained program."