FPN09-37

UK Fusion Programme Under Review

August 20, 2009

A "full review of the UK fusion for energy programme" is underway, with a completion date scheduled for December 2009. The review aims to "establish a 20 year vision for the Research Councils' support of UK fusion as an energy source (covering inertial and magnetic fusion) in the international context; consider options for the UK domestic fusion programme and ownership of the Culham site from the perspective of the Research Councils; recommend ...the way forward for the MAST Upgrade including the exact funding levels and timings needed; (and) develop a forward strategy for the Research Council's Energy Programme support for fusion."

An announcement posted at http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/Programmes/Energy/AdviceConsult/fusion.htm requests "the views of individuals and organisations with an involvement in fusion" and provides a link to a survey that such interested parties are asked to complete by 18 September.

To assist in the review, an "expert group" has been established, chaired by Prof. Keith Burnett (U. of Sheffield). The group includes two U.S. fusion scientists: Chris Keane (LLNL) and Ray Fonck (U.Wisconsin). Other members of the group are Francis Kovacs, Carlos Alejaldre, Fritz Wagner, John Loughhead, Philip Sharman and John Chapman. The group will prepare a "20-year Vision Document" that will be posted when completed.