Current situation: New enthusiasm

For decades the costly field of controlled nuclear fusion has been rocked by ups and downs, promise and problems. In spite of the many setbacks, scientists and DOE officials are determined to push ahead. open-quotes We are very confident that by some time after the first decade of the next century, we will have a clear demonstration [of the technology] to give us unlimited energy....We are very excited about it,close quotes Energy Secretary Watkins said last spring in proposing a $360 million fusion energy budget for fiscal 1993. This article cites recent hey developments in terms of technical accomplishments, funding decisions, policy decisions, and efforts to collaborate internationally on controlled nuclear fusion. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is discussed also