Nuclear fusion power: a bright long-term future

Abstract

Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, could be a viable commercial power source within 40 years. The Joint European Torus, the world's leading fusion facility in the UK, has produced 16 MW of fusion power. Fusion produces relatively very little waste, is intrinsically safe and has essentially limitless supplies of fuel. There has been substantial progress in recent decades, although significant challenges remain. This paper summarises the basics of nuclear fusion, describes the present state of technology development and outlines the remaining steps needed to develop fusion power as a commercial reality.