Fundamentals of Magnetic Fusion Technology

Reliable and sustainable sources of energy will remain an essential ingredient for human development. Since carbon-based energies have an enormous impact on our climate, alternative energy sources must be developed. The solution to the energy and climate problems can only come in the form of a portfolio of options that includes improvements in energy efficiency and (to varying degrees in different countries) renewable energy, nuclear fission, carbon capture and storage and nuclear fusion. Controlled thermonuclear fusion is one of the very few options to provide us with a long-term, environmentally friendly and inherently safe contribution to solve the energy problem we are facing. Fusion has advantages that ensure sustainability and security of supply, safety and sustainability: fuels are geographically widely available (energy independence) and virtually unlimited; it is inherently safe and does not provide long-term radioactive waste. A fusion power plant provides a centralized source of base load electricity. Making fusion energy a reality depends crucially on the success of ITER (the Latin word for ^The Way⁾, currently under construction in the south of France. ITER is a large-scale scientific experiment intended to prove the viability of fusion as an energy source. In an unprecedented international effort, seven partners—China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States—have pooled their financial and scientific resources to build the biggest fusion reactor in history. When finished, it will be the first fusion device to produce net energy, and will allow to demonstrate the scientific and technological basis for large-scale fusion energy. It will lead the way to the subsequent implementation of the DEMO fusion reactors, followed by commercial fusion power plants. The first plasma in ITER is scheduled for the end of 2025. The continued education of scientists and engineers in fusion science and technology is essential both to the success of the ITER Project and to the application of the scientific and engineering insights gained through ITER to the goal of realizing fusion as an energy source. A large number of scientists and engineers will be required in two main categories: "Plasma physics" and "Fusion technology and engineering". Their training and education takes typically 10 years, requiring a structured master level education. The need for an integrated and international fusion education programme is further motivated by the increasingly important role of industry in fusion R&D. Indeed, over the coming decades the Fusion R&D Programme will shift from being science-driven and laboratory-based towards a technology-driven, industry-based venture. ITER will test or validate most technological solutions for DEMO, and significant innovation is and will be required in some areas such as breeding blanket technology, plasma-facing and structural materials, superconducting magnets, microwave sources, high power beam sources, remote handling, control technology and fuelling and pumping systems. Furthermore, the transition will focus on technologies and standards associated with the "nuclearization of fusion" which has consequences for the competences of the workforce. Fusion research further shows an increasing and very important spin-off in many fields of science and engineering, such as new materials, nanotechnologies, superconducting coils, robotics, electronic components, high power RF sources and space propulsion. The role of industrial partners will evolve from that of a provider of high-tech components to that of driver of the fusion development. This will be a stepwise, long and gradual process, through consortia that will bring together industry, research laboratories and universities, in connection with DEMO R&D. Indeed, although at this moment innovation is already being jointly pursued in fusion by industry, research laboratories and universities, their synergies can only be fully exploited by facing the challenge of the realization of large projects like ITER and DEMO and focusing on them. This necessitates a close interaction between industry, research centers and universities through consortia. The main objective of this textbook is to contribute to the consolidation and better exploitation of the achievements already reached in the past and to tackle the present challenges in preparing the workforce in the different areas, with special attention to continuous professional development and life-long learning. This textbook is primarily intended for a course "Fundamentals of Magnetic Fusion Technology" at master level. It has been prepared in the framework of the FuseNet Association (the European Fusion Education Network). Given the fast evolution in the broad field of magnetic fusion technology in view of ITER, DEMO and fusion power plants, the fusion education community needs such a textbook that will be suitable as lecture material. The book will also be useful for specialists from academia, research institutions and companies who want to acquire knowledge of other areas in magnetic fusion technology, as well as for a wider range of readers interested in the establishment of magnetic fusion as an energy source.