Abstract
Nuclear fusion is usually viewed as a future technology for generating electric power. However, a number of non-electric-generating applications are also possible. The most important are: generation of fissile fuel for fission reactors, production of synthetic fuel, and production of heat for process and space-heating applications. The technical means of accomplishing these objectives are reviewed, along with corresponding features of alternate technologies to achieve the same objectives. It is concluded that the greatest barriers to be overcome in these commercial applications of fusion are: (1) timing, in that fusion is still a distant possibility and fission breeders are nearer commercial exploitation; and, (2) fossil carbon deposits are still so abundant that radical shifts away from fossil fuels will be difficult.
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Kouts, H. Applications of fusion energy: A comparative analysis of their potentials. J Fusion Energ 2, 253–268 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01063681
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01063681