| Abstrakt: |
The development of fusion as a future energy alternative continues to be a matter of international importance. Research on controlled thermonuclear fusion began in the 1950s, but the commercial application of this technology may be as far away as 2020 or longer. However, in the 1990s, both in Europe and the United States, experiments are scheduled to demonstrate energy breakeven with about 30 MW of fusion power, and international planning and conceptual design are now under way for a 1,000-MW ignition experiment to begin operation at the end of the 1990's.With the final breakeven experimental campaigns, the facilities and operations will undertake a limited nuclear transition as the machines are fueled with small quantities of tritium. Fusion reactions will activate structures, and additional shielding and diagnostic hardening will be required. The future ignition facility will be as large and as costly and will require similar nuclear considerations to a full-scale nuclear fission power plant.The Canadian Fusion Fuels Technology Project (CFFTP) was established in 1982 as one of the elements of Canada's National Fusion Program. CFFTP has undertaken to apply and extend selected nuclear technologies for use in fusion projects abroad. Carefully selected R&D programs, the provision of key staff and reliance on the skills and knowledge base within the Canadian nuclear industry have resulted in broad recognition and acceptance of Canada's involvement in important joint tasks. This involvement is expected to continue as the major programs abroad engage in tritium/nuclear design and operation. |
