Nuclear Fusion, January 2003

There is growing interest in using nuclear fusion for generating electricity in the future. The fuel it would use is abundant and it produces no greenhouse gases. International negotiations are under way to construct the next major experimental fusion reactor (ITER) and the US has recently decided to re-enter these discussions. Questions remain over issues such as the economic viability and environmental impact of fusion power and the timescales for its commercialisation. This note discusses such issues and updates POST’s previous briefings on fusion research .