IAEA calls for DEMO program workshop

With the construction of ITER, the worldwide magnetic fusion program has begun a transition from a fusion science activity to one aimed at producing fusion energy on an industrial, power plant scale. This is driving an increased emphasis on a fusion technology program which, along with ITER and accompanying research, will bring fusion as a power source within our reach. While internationally there is no agreement on a single roadmap to fusion, the science and technology issues to be resolved for fusion power to become a reality are broadly agreed.

 

Resolving these issues and understanding the options for next-step fusion nuclear facilities are of common interest, even if the emphases and priorities vary from nation to nation. Thus there is substantial scope to add value to the program by international cooperation. Against this backdrop, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established a series of annual DEMO Programme Workshops to facilitate international collaboration on defining and coordinating DEMO program activities. The first IAEA DEMO Programme Workshop (DPW-2012) will be held at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, United States of America from 15 to 18 October 2012. The meeting will be hosted by the University of California at Los Angeles.

 

The specific objective of this first workshop is to discuss a subset of key DEMO scientific and technical issues with the aim of defining the facilities and program activities that can lead to their resolution. The topics include fusion power extraction and tritium fuel cycle, plasma power exhaust and impurity control, magnetic configuration and operating scenario for a next-step fusion nuclear facility. The workshop output will be information that could be used by any party as input to the planning of possible roadmaps to DEMO.
 
For more information on the workshop please click here.