Conclusions
In conclusion, the advantages of the D-3He fuel cycle are compelling but the challenges are great. The economics of a fusion power plant with a permanent first wall, especially in terms of availability and reliability, should translate into an attractive future option for society. The safety and environmental features of this type of power could make this energy source irresistible for a world choked by pollution and racked with wars over the remaining scraps of fossil fuel energy. These advantages will not come free; the physics in terms of highernτT, larger plasma currents, ash removal requirements, and the need to use fuel from settlements on the Moon (which should be in place long before we need3He for power reactors) are all problems that need to be solve in the next 20 years. The benefits to mankind surely will overweigh these latter problems and the nation, or nations who develop this energy source will have an important strategic advantage in the twenty-first century.
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Kulcinski, G.L. Lessons learned from recent D-3He tokamak power reactor studies. J Fusion Energ 10, 351–355 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01052140
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01052140