Producing thermochemical hydrogen with the tandem-mirror reactor

Fusion power holds the promise to supply not only electricity but also fuels to meet the balance of our energy needs. A new integrated power and breeding blanket design is described for tandem mirror reactors. The blanket incorporates features that make it suitable for synthetic fuel production. In particular, it is matched to the thermal and electrical power requirements of the General Atomic water-splitting process for production of hydrogen. Some improvements to the high temperature chemical process steps are described. These improvements are expected to allow production of hydrogen at about $13/GJ wholesale, including financing costs, capital amortization, and profit