Energy analysis and carbon dioxide emission of tokamak fusion power reactors

Energy gain and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission of tokamak fusion power reactors; a conventional physics performance ITER-like reactor based upon ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) and an advanced physics RS reactor using reversed shear safety-factor/plasma current profile are evaluated in this study. Input energy to and CO2 emission from these reactors are basically calculated by multiplying weight of fusion reactor components and materials with data of energy intensities and/or CO2 intensities, which are updated as much as possible to suit for those reactors. Results indicated that (1) the RS reactor can reduce the input energy and the CO2 emission half of those of the ITER-like reactor, (2) silicon carbide (SiC) used for structural material of inner vessel components is best for the energy gain and CO2 emission reduction, and (3) less energy gain and greater CO2 emission than a fission reactor and a water-power generation is estimated in the case of the ITER-like reactor, however, as nearly the same energy gain and CO2 emission as can be attained in the case of the RS reactor. (author)