U.S. Participation in International Fusion Research Needs Stable Funding

There is a new report from the National Academies.

Summary:

To date, U.S. plans for participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project have been effective and well thought out, says a new National Research Council report. However, funding uncertainties cast doubt on U.S. commitment to this international collaboration. Stable U.S. funding is needed to effectively plan for participation in ITER, to benefit from coming fusion energy research, and to take part in future international scientific collaborations.

Comment: I am not an expert on this technology, but I know enough to believe that controlled fusion is the best long-term option for really abundant electrical power, and thus a hydrogen economy and large scale water desalinization. If ITER is as important as it seems, it should be given priority by the Congress, and it should be granted reliable financing. JAD