Major challenges in fusion energy
Note: this list of challenges is a work in progress, like the rest of this website.
Burning plasma challenges:
- burn control
- burning plasma self-organization
- alpha particle–magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mode interactions
- divertor physics
- disruption prediction and mitigation (see A fusion vacuum vessel that can withstand plasma disruptions)
Supply chain challenges:
- Global availability of tritium and beryllium
- Availability of REBCO superconducting material
- Domestic availability of large-scale capacitors and semiconductors
Other challenges:
- De-tritiation of solid components
Opportunities in fusion energy
According to David Kirtley, technological developments that are paving the way for the feasibility of fusion include advanced computing, high speed gigahertz fiber optics, and large semiconductors for high-power pulse power systems. Companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems are also built on the development of HTS magnets. See also: Commercial fusion opportunity map.