OVERVIEW OF THE U.S. MAGNETIC FUSION ENERGY PROGRAM

Since the 1988 Symposium on Fusion Technology, steady progress has been made in the U.S. Magnetic Fusion Energy Program. The large U.S. tokamaks have reached new levels of plasma performance with associated improvements in the understanding of transport. The technology support for ongoing and future devices is similarly advancing with notable advances in magnetics, rf heating tubes, pellet injectors, plasma interactive materials, tritium handling, structural materials, and system studies. Currently, a high level DOE review of the program is underway to provide recommendations for a strategic plan.