Scenarios for fusion energy

Are there scenarios for the near future (5-10 years) in which the public interest in, and political support for, fusion energy are likely to increase significantly? If such a scenario should occur, what should the status of heavy-ion fusion be at that time so that it is looked upon as a favored approach? If such a status can be identified, what should the research strategy be so that this status can be achieved in a timely way? This paper will look for answers to the first two of the above questions. If the goal of a desired status can be identified, the research strategy may become obvious. Of the four long-term energy options - coal, solar, fission breeders and fusion - the present position of fusion is in fourth place, never having generated any power. However, coal has environmental and safety problems. Solar has limitations of cost, availability and space requirements. Fission in general, and breeder reactors in particular, have problems of cost, environment and public acceptance. To be accepted and elevated to a position of equality with the others, heavy-ion fusion must simultaneously avoid their real and perceived major flaws. To succeed, heavy-ion fusion must strive to be markedly the best fusion option. (orig.)