The panel states that it "was deeply impressed by the progress achieved in fusion R&D, the scientific-technical quality of the work being undertaken, the sharing of tasks among the partners and the commitment of all parties in the Programme towards achieving the goal of useful fusion power." The panel says that fusion energy "could make a major contribution to future environmentally friendly and safe electricity generation without long-term storage of radioactive waste."

The panel says the launch of the ITER project "introduces a step change in the European programme requiring reorientation and concentration on core activities with an increasing emphasis on fusion technology." "Interaction with industry, based on the large-scale industrial contributions to ITER construction, should be developed in the longer term towards industrial leadership" the panel states. The panel says that during ITER construction efforts should be carried out on materials research, concept improvements and demonstration power plant conceptual design. The panel report discusses, in some detail, the necessary facilities required for a programme aimed at operation of a demonstration power plant "in approximately 30 or 35 years."

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