Demand of fusion energy for tritium and the possibility of its production in nuclear reactors

Abstract

The annual consumption of tritium in a fusion reactor is estimated at ~56 kg per 1 GW. Its amount depends on the power of the reactor, plasma parameters, and the technologies used. Tritium can be produced in nuclear reactors to form an initial margin. The present article analyzes the demand for tritium during the future development of fusion energy. It is shown that tritium demand under various scenarios exceeds current production capabilities and margins. An overview of tritium production in PWRs (USA) is presented. Lithium absorbing rods and stages of their technological implementation are described. The production of tritium in a reactor limited to 1.5 kg/year is demonstrated to cause no effect on operation or safety. The introduction of such technologies, which have been worked out over a period of around 15 years, is possible in both VVER and RBMK reactors.