Future for inertial-fusion energy in Europe: a roadmap

Year: 2023

Authors: Batani D., Colaptis A., Consoli F., Danson C.N., Gizzi L.A., Honrubia J., Kuhl T., Le Pape S., Miquel J.L., Perlado J.M., Scott R.H.H., Tatarakis M., Tikhonchuk V., Volpe L.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Bordeaux, Ctr Lasers Intenses & Applicat CELIA, CNRS, CEA, Talence, France; CR Frascati, Fus & Technol Nucl Safety & Secur Dept, ENEA, Frascati, Italy; AWE, Reading, England; Imperial Coll London, Ctr Inertial Fus Studies, Blackett Lab, London, England; Consiglio Nazl Ric CNR INO, Ist Nazl Ott, Pisa, Italy; Univ Politecn Madrid, ETSIAE, Madrid, Spain; GSI Helmholtzzentrum Schwerionenforsch GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany; Ecole Polytech, Lab Utilisat Lasers Intenses LULI, CNRS, Palaiseau, France; ALP, Le Barp, France; CEA DAM Ile France, Arpajon, France; Univ Politecn Madrid, Inst Fus Nucl Guillermo Velarde IFN GV, Madrid, Spain; STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab, Cent Laser Facil, Oxford, Oxon, England; Hellen Mediterranean Univ, Univ Res & Innovat Ctr, Inst Plasma Phys & Lasers, Iraklion, Greece; Hellen Mediterranean Univ, Sch Engn, Dept Elect Engn, Iraklion, Greece; ELI Beamlines Facil, Extreme Light Infrastruct ERIC, Dolni Brezany, Czech Republic; Ctr Laseres Pulsados CLPU, Parque Cient, Salamanca, Spain; Univ Bordeaux, Ctr Lasers Intenses & Applicat CELIA, CNRS, CEA, F-33405 Talence, France.

Abstract: The recent achievement of fusion ignition with laser-driven technologies at the National Ignition Facility sets a historic accomplishment in fusion energy research. This accomplishment paves the way for using laser inertial fusion as a viable approach for future energy production. Europe has a unique opportunity to empower research in this field internationally, and the scientific community is eager to engage in this journey. We propose establishing a European programme on inertial-fusion energy with the mission to demonstrate laser-driven ignition in the direct-drive scheme and to develop pathway technologies for the commercial fusion reactor. The proposed roadmap is based on four complementary axes: (i) the physics of laser-plasma interaction and burning plasmas; (ii) high-energy high repetition rate laser technology; (iii) fusion reactor technology and materials; and (iv) reinforcement of the laser fusion community by international education and training programmes. We foresee collaboration with universities, research centres and industry and establishing joint activities with the private sector involved in laser fusion. This project aims to stimulate a broad range of high-profile industrial developments in laser, plasma and radiation technologies along with the expected high-level socio-economic impact.

Journal/Review: HIGH POWER LASER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Volume: 11      Pages from: e83-1  to: e83-31

KeyWords: education and training; fusion reactor technology; high-energy laser; high repetition rate laser; inertial confinement fusion; laser-plasma interaction; public-private partnership; radiation resistant materials
DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2023.80

Citations: 7
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