Powering the Future
Fusion & Plasmas
A long-range plan to deliver
fusion energy and to advance
plasma science

Report of the FESAC Long Range Planning Subcommittee
FESAC Meeting, December 2020

FESAC Long Range Planning Subcommittee

Scott Baalrud

Chris Holland

Riccardo Betti

Cameron Geddes

Troy Carter

Chuck Kessel
Paul Humrickhouse

Rajesh Maingi
Ane Lasa

Uri Shumlak
Lance Snead

Wayne Solomon

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

Arianna Gleason

John Foster

Tyler Ellis

Tammy Ma

Erik Trask

David Schaffner Oliver Schmitz

Francois Waelbroeck Anne WhiteDon Rej (ex officio)
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Thank you!
➔ To the research community; for the incredible amount of effort
during the Community Planning Process and for continued
engagement in “Phase 2” through focus groups and our virtual
workshop➔ To Laurie Moret, for her guidance throughout the two-year process➔ To Sam Barish, for his advice and assistance as FES liaison➔ To Michael Branigan & Jim Dawson for graphic design & editing

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2018 FESAC Charge➔ Charge covers entire FES portfolio: “…should identify and prioritize theresearch required to advance both the scientific foundation needed todevelop a fusion energy source, as well as the broader FES mission to
steward plasma science.”➔ Two part process, community driven phase (Community Planning
Process) and FESAC-led phase➔ “Optimized FES program over the next ten years” (FY22-FY31).
Consider three budget scenarios: constant level of effort, modest growth(2% above inflation), and unconstrained but prioritized➔ “...assume that the US Contributions to ITER project will continue
throughout this entire period”: focus on the non-ITER-project portion of
the budget.
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4Subcommittee Process➔ Subcommittee work began February, ramped up with delivery of the“Phase 1” Community Planning Process report in March➔ Entire process conducted virtually (many subcommittee members havenever met before in person). Uncountable number hours spent on
Zoom (countable number on MS Teams)➔ Many guest speakers: from other federal agencies, on related reports,
on private-public partnership models➔ Community engagement through focus groups, virtual workshop➔ Scenarios developed using extensive budget analysis: utilizing datafrom FES, range of inputs on facilities costs including costing experts
with extensive DOE project experience (Jeff Hoy, Carl Strawbridge)➔ Worked by consensus process to produce the final report
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5Zoom group shots

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Executive summary: Now is the time for fusion & plasmas➔ Now is the time to move aggressively toward the development offusion energy. Recent advances point the way toward a unique US
vision for fusion development, targeting a fusion pilot plant by the2040s. Growth of a fusion energy industry is important for this visionand that industry is already seeded.
➔ Plasmas transform society. Far-reaching impact spans: advances
key to enabling fusion energy; deeper understanding of our universe;
creating exotic states of matter with the most intense lasers in theworld; transformative applications that impact our everyday lives andhave the potential to enable a more sustainable society➔ Fusion and plasmas are inextricably linked, have strong
connections and important shared history
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Executive summary: Partnerships and Leadership➔ Partnerships accelerate progress. International partnership,especially ITER, is critical. Public private partnerships have thepotential to reduce time to commercially viable fusion and support
the growth of a fusion energy industry. Interagency partnerships
can maximize progress in research and development.
➔ Fusion and plasma research in the US are world-leading;continued scientific leadership requires nurturing and agility.
US is poised to create world-leading fusion industry, should be
supported. Leadership in key areas is threatened by the absenceof investment in major new facilities to address critical R&D needs.

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Executive summary: First time process➔ For the first time, scientists have created a long-range plan toaccelerate the development of fusion energy AND advance
plasma science. The community-driven CPP process is thefoundation of this long-range planning process. Not only identified
important new opportunities, but developed guidance forprioritization through a consensus process. The resulting CPP
report forms the basis for this strategy.

THANK YOU!
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9New directions for the FES program➔ The Fusion Science and Technology (FST) area should focus onestablishing the scientific and technical basis for a fusion pilot plant by
the 2040s➔ The Plasma Science and Technology (PST) area should focus on newopportunities to advance fundamental understanding, and in turntranslate these advances into technologies that benefit society➔ These new directions are embodied in six technology and sciencedrivers

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10Technology and Science Drivers: FST➔ Sustain a burning plasma

Build the science and technology required toconfine and sustain a burning plasma➔ Engineer for extreme conditions
Develop the materials required to withstand theextreme environment of a fusion reactor➔ Harness fusion power
Engineer the technologies required to breed
fusion fuel and to generate electricity in a fusion
pilot plant

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11Technology and Science Drivers: PST➔ Understand the plasma universe
Plasmas permeate the universe and are
the heart of the most energetic events
we observe➔ Strengthen the foundations
Explore and discover new regimes andexotic states of matter, enabled by newexperimental capabilities➔ Create transformative technologies
Unlock the potential of plasmas totransform society
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12Significant return on increased investment
Constant level of effort: redirection can occur and important scientific andtechnical progress will continue, but major lost opportunities, significant risk
to FPP goal and US leadership position➔ Significant return on the investment for the increment from the constant to
the modest growth scenario. However, risks and missed opportunities
remain, including threat to the goal of an FPP by 2040s.
➔ Unconstrained scenario: the complete strategy can be implemented.
Additional investment beyond the modest growth scenario will havesubstantial return. Important scientific advances would be enabled andprogress toward realizing practical fusion energy would be accelerated.
◆ With staging, program pivoting, and utilization of partnerships, we
believe these additional activities can be accomplished in a timely
manner and under realizable budgets➔

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Prioritization Criteria➔ In order to prioritize the projects and programs discussed in this report for eachof the three budget scenarios, we developed a set of consensus prioritization
criteria➔ Consensus criteria and guidance for prioritization within program areas weredeveloped by the research community during the CPP process. Additional
feedback was provided in the follow-on workshop organized by the
sub-committee➔ This guidance and feedback were used to develop criteria for whole portfolio
prioritization➔ In applying the criteria and following the charge language, we assume that the
ITER construction project will be successful and we thus focus on the
non-ITER-project portion of the budget
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Prioritization Criteria
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Alignment: Align projects and programs with the technology and sciencedrivers
Urgency: Prioritize the most expeditious path to fusion energy and otherplasma technologies that provide compelling solutions to urgent issues
Innovation: Embrace innovative research, new developments in technology,
and interdisciplinary connections to address key challenges
Impact: Implement a logical sequence of programs that increases scientificand technological progress relative to investment
Leadership: Establish and maintain US leadership. Recognize federal,
industry, and international efforts in fusion and plasma development and form
partnerships whenever possible
Stewardship: As experimental capabilities are developed and programtransitions occur, ensure the continued productivity of the essential workforce
to maintain scientific and technological progress

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Recommendations Overview➔

The recommendations fall into two categories◆ Overarching recommendations are program/facility independent but essential
to successful execution of the FES research program◆ Project and Program Specific Recommendations in three subcategories● Fusion Science and Technology (FST) Program recommendations● Plasma Science and Technology (PST) Program recommendations● Cross-cutting recommendations that apply to all programs.

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The order of presentation of these recommendations does not imply priority;
all recommendations should be acted on in order to fully realize the strategicplan◆ Prioritization of activities is expressed through the budget scenario descriptions

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16Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Align the program with the six technology and science drivers
in order to establish the scientific and technical basis for a fusion pilot plant by
the 2040’s and advance fundamental understanding of plasmas that translates
into applications that benefit society
Recommendation: This long-range planning process, including a strong
community-led component, should be repeated every five years in order to update
the strategic plan➔

The strategic plan should be regularly updated to adapt to new scientificdiscoveries, technological breakthroughs and other changes in the research anddevelopment landscapePowering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

17Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Resources for ongoing design and construction of major new
experimental facilities should be established in the DOE Fusion Energy Sciencesbudget➔➔➔The US has invested significantly over the last decade in the design and construction of
ITER and will continue to do so over the coming decade
However, outside of the important investment in ITER, there has been little investment
over the last decade in the development of major new experimental capabilities
Addressing the technology and science drivers will require continuing investment in thedesign, construction and operation of facilities that provide important new capabilities◆ Such investment is necessary to maintain a vigorous scientific program and toachieve necessary breakthroughs in a number of areas

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Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Opportunities should be provided for developing newexperimental capabilities at a range of scales, as appropriate to address the goalsof this strategic plan➔➔

Although large scale facilities are essential to make progress in many areas,
important aspects of the fusion mission and plasma science and technology drivers
can be successfully addressed through the development of small and medium
scale experimental facilities
Such facilities are amenable to siting at universities, where investments can havehigh impact, provide leadership opportunities to faculty and junior scientists, andhelp develop the workforce needed to execute this strategic plan

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19Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Maturation of pre-conceptual designs, scope, and costing for
proposed new experimental facilities should be part of regular program activities➔➔

Strategic planning is most effective if ideas for major new experimental capabilities
are developed to the pre-conceptual stage, preferably with mission need and scope
well defined and a preliminary cost range established
The Critical Decision process within DOE provides a framework for accomplishing
this goal and utilizing this process to routinely refine the design of needed newexperimental facilities is highly desirable

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20Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Expand existing and establish new public-private partnership(PPP) programs to leverage capabilities, reduce cost, and accelerate thecommercialization of fusion power and plasma technologies
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DOE Fusion Energy Sciences has already established successful PPP programs,
notably the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE)
These activities should be expanded and new private-public partnership programs,
including milestone-based cost-share programs, should be developed
Investment in PPP activities should align with priorities in the strategic plan and bebalanced by robust investment in federally-funded programs to maximize
effectiveness of the partnership
More discussion of this topic to come in discussion of Appendix A later in thispresentation

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Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: Explore and implement mechanisms for formal coordination
between funding agencies that support fusion and plasma science research➔➔➔

Given the broad range of applications where these fields have relevance, there is also a
range of federal agencies that currently provide research support including the NSF,
ASCR, HEP, NNSA, ARPA-E, AFSOR, and ONR
Coordination among these federal programs has led to extremely successful research
programs; the NSF-DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering is aprominent example
Expanding on these successes and increasing program coordination could make betteruse of federal resources and enable more rapid progress toward development of fusionenergy and toward advancing plasma science and engineering

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Overarching Recommendations
Recommendation: DOE and FES should seek to implement policy changes that
improve diversity, equity and inclusion within the FES research community
Recommendation: Restore DOE’s ability to execute discipline-specific workforce
development programs that can help recruit diverse new talent to FES-supported
fields of research➔➔➔

Successfully addressing the challenges of bringing fusion power to the grid andadvancing the frontier of plasma science requires innovation, creativity and atalented, multidisciplinary and diverse workforce
There are barriers to achieving this workforce that should be addressed in order toachieve the goals in this strategic plan
Specific details on recommendations addressing these topics to come in discussionof Appendix B later in presentation

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FST Recommendation: FPP Design
Recommendation: Initiate a coordinated design effort that engages all
stakeholders and establishes the technical basis for closing critical gaps for afusion pilot plant.
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Design, construction and operation of a fusion pilot plant (FPP) is recognized as a
critical milestone toward deployment of fusion energy
Effort needed to bring physics modeling efforts together with engineering tools◆ Core, balance of plant, licensing, remote handling, maintenance, reliability
Domestic multi-institutional, collaborative FPP design and study program, giving
significant attention to activities agnostic to the plasma core and contrastingbaseline tokamak approach with other plasma cores
Activity should help inform evolving research needs and priorities

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FST Recommendation: Pivot to materials/tech
Recommendation: Pivot the research and development focus toward fusionmaterials and technology➔➔➔

Constructing an FPP requires technology development beyond the burning plasma
Critical enabling technologies such as plasma facing components, structural andfunctional materials, and breeding blanket and tritium handling systems are
currently not advanced enough for an FPP◆ At present levels of support, time to develop these technologies isincompatible with goal of an FPP by the 2040s
Support foundational fusion materials & technology research◆ Theory and modeling, diagnostics systems, enabling technologies

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FST Recommendation: FPNS
Recommendation: Immediately establish the mission need for an FPNS facility tosupport development of new materials suitable for use in the fusion nuclear
environment, and pursue design and construction as soon as possible
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Mixed spectrum fission reactors do not produce appropriate spectrum for materials
irradiated in a fusion reactor core
◆ Fusion-born neutrons will produce significant, yet largely unknown, effects on
structural and non-structural components of the first wall, divertor, and blanket
The Fusion Prototypical Neutron Source (FPNS) needed to produce the required
damage and transmutation rates and must have high reliability and flexibility
A comprehensive program of modeling, advanced characterization, andhigh-temperature nuclear-structural design criteria is necessary
FPNS + programs will build upon the US leadership in fusion materials technology

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FST Recommendation: MPEX and PMI
Recommendation: Develop the scientific infrastructure necessary for the study ofplasma-materials interactions needed to develop plasma facing components for afusion pilot plant by completing the MPEX and high-heat flux testing facilities
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Physics-based understanding of plasma-material interactions (PMI) is necessary toconstruct and qualify plasma-facing components (PFCs) for an FPPMaterial Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX), currently in design to build process,is a central piece◆ A linear plasma exposure device uniquely equipped to access prototypicalplasma conditions in a fusion reactor divertor
High heat flux testing via coupon-level facility early and component-level facility later,
will allow for development of materials and qualification of components for an FPP
Together with existing PMI facilities, these world-leading capabilities will allow forvalidation of PMI models that will form the base of PFC design tools for an FPP

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FST Recommendation: Blankets and Tritium
Recommendation: Significantly expand blanket and tritium R&D programs
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Closure of the fusion fuel cycle via successful breeding and extraction of tritium will be
critical for the sustained operation of an FPP
Breeding blanket technologies at low TRL and unlikely to advance to demonstration stage
without significantly increased research and development support
Understand tritium transport properties and phenomena in solid and liquid breeder
materials with separate-effect test stands and fission reactor irradiations
Tritium technologies will be demonstrated at significant scale in ITER
◆ Program should involve tritium experts in the US ITER teamSupport additional R&D to minimize size, cost, and tritium inventory of the plant
No current path for US to deploy a test blanket module in ITER or any other facility◆ Develop strategy for component-scale blanket testing and support pre-conceptual
design and costing for blanket component test facility (BCTF)

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FST Recommendation: Existing tokamaks
Recommendation: Close fusion pilot plant design gaps by utilizing research operationof DIII-D and NSTX-U + collaboration with other world-leading facilities➔➔➔

Gaps need closing to confidently design low capital cost FPP & prepare for ITER
◆ Transport & stability to sustain disruption-free, high-average-power output◆ Energetic particle & burning plasma physics relevant to a high-fusion-gain FPP◆ Plasma-material interactions and PFC integration in a tokamak environment◆ Operational scenarios for an FPP
Significant parts can be addressed immediately utilizing the world-leading DIII-D and
NSTX-U facilities alongside important smaller-scale facilities at universities◆ DIII-D: Resolve disruption and transients, inform long pulse steady state◆ NSTX-U: ST plasma physics, along with PMI control and liquid metal PFCs
Collaborations on planned public and private facilities (esp. long pulse conditions
inaccessible in US) provide unique contributions to complete tokamak physics basis

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FST Recommendation: ITER
Recommendation: Ensure full engagement of the US fusion community in ITER byforming an ITER research team that capitalizes on our investment to access a high gain
burning plasma➔➔➔

US should fully exploit its participation in ITER to gain experience with a burning plasma
and fusion technology while benefiting from the shared cost
ITER is baseline path to a reactor scale burning plasma and provides unique technology
advances that will accelerate the FPP development path
To ensure timely involvement by pre-fusion-power operation phase starting in 2028, US
urgently needs to establish framework for developing an appropriate workforce◆ Centrally organized and ramped up as project moves toward first plasma◆ Near-term opportunities to participate in system design and commissioning

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FST Recommendation: EXCITE
Recommendation: Immediately establish the mission need for an EXCITE facility toclose the integrated tokamak and exhaust gap and pursue design and construction assoon as possible➔➔

Even with existing and planned facilities, it will not be possible to fully complete thetokamak physics basis needed for the US vision of a tokamak based FPP◆ Requires demonstrating integrated strategies for handling exhaust heat fluxes wellbeyond what is expected to be accessible in existing or planned devices, while
simultaneously supporting sustained high core plasma performance
A range of options for closing this Integrated Tokamak Exhaust and Performance (ITEP)
gap were considered, including upgrades to existing facilities and collaborations on bothprivate and international tokamaks. While providing excellent opportunities to partiallybridge gap, none were judged sufficient to close the fundamental core-edge integration
challenge encapsulated by the ITEP gap.

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FST Recommendation: EXCITE (cont’d)
Recommendation: Immediately establish the mission need for an EXCITE facility to close the integrated tokamak
and exhaust gap and pursue design and construction as soon as possible

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Building upon NASEM BP report, a new domestic tokamak, EXCITE (EXhaust andConfinement Integration Tokamak Experiment) is optimal to close ITEP gap◆ Unique, world-leading combination of flexible power exhaust capabilities, PFC
options, control actuators, access to plasma conditions◆ Enable continued US leadership in tokamak physics into the 2030s
Envisioned to be modestly sized high-field device with short-pulse, non-nuclear operation
to enable design and construction on an acceptable timescale at manageable cost
Develop pre-conceptual designs for a detailed assessment of cost and technicalfeasibility, and benchmark against gap closure through collaborations and upgrades
Include private industry and international partners to accelerate schedule & reduce costs

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FST Recommendation: Innovations
Recommendation: Strengthen the innovative and transformative research that offers
promising opportunities for fusion energy commercialization: stellarators, liquid metal
plasma facing components, inertial fusion energy and alternate concepts➔

Four innovative areas aim to address key vulnerabilities of a solid PFC tokamak,
potentially leading to attractive commercial fusion power by leveraging US leadership◆ Stellarators offer intrinsically disruption-free operation with low recirculating power.
The quasi-symmetric stellarator concept is unique to US and complemented byinternational collaboration at the W7-X and LHD stellarators. A new domestic
mid-scale US stellarator experiment should be realized.
◆ Liquid metal PFCs potentially expand reactor wall power limits and alleviate lifetime
constraints due to material erosion. Liquid lithium walls may open up pathways tohigh plasma confinement and compact FPP designs. Development of liquid metal
PFC concepts should be targeted.

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FST Recommendation: Innovations (cont’d)
Recommendation: Strengthen the innovative and transformative research that offer promising opportunities forfusion energy commercialization: stellarators, liquid metal plasma facing components, inertial fusion energy andalternate concepts➔

Four innovative areas aim to address key vulnerabilities of tokamak, potentially leading to attractive commercial fusion
power systems by leveraging US leadership◆◆

Inertial fusion energy (IFE) utilizes advances in lasers, pulsed power technology,
and drivers to achieve fusion at high fuel density. Progress with indirect drive at NIF,
direct drive, magnetic drive ICF, and heavy ion fusion underpin promise of IFE. An
IFE program leveraging US leadership & current investments should be targeted.
Breakthroughs in alternate magnetic confinement concepts, beyond tokamaks andstellarators, could lead to more economically attractive fusion power. A program that
supports innovative MFE concepts should be considered.

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PST Recommendation: Consistent Support
Recommendation: Consistently support fundamental plasma science to ensure asteady stream of innovative ideas and talent; laying the scientific foundation uponwhich the next generation of plasma-based technologies can be built
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Fundamental plasma science explores new regimes and deepens our understanding of
natureThis includes theories that propose foundational descriptions of plasmas, computational
methods required to predict outcomes of these theories, and experiments that test thepredictions
The knowledge these discoveries provide makes possible the innovative plasma-based
technologies of the future
The future of plasma science will rely on consistent support, even when spending forconstruction projects and larger program elements fluctuatePowering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

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PST Recommendation: MEC-Upgrade
Recommendation: Complete the design and construction of MEC-Upgrade
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Advances in intense lasers and pulsed power facilities have made it possible to squeeze
matter to extreme pressures, creating exotic dense plasma states similar to those thought
to exist in the interiors of giant planets and stars
Our ability to diagnose or probe the structure and dynamics of these high energy density(HED) plasmas is inherently difficult due to the very dense and rapidly evolving conditions
Transformational measurement techniques are necessary to develop a physics-based
understanding to tackle some of the grand challenges in HED physics
X-ray free electron lasers can provide such sensitive measurements of HED plasmastates that they provide an atom-eye view with attosecond precision, significantly
advancing the state-of-the-art

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PST Recommendation: Plasma Technology Program
Recommendation: Establish a plasma-based technology research program focused ontranslating fundamental scientific findings into societally beneficial applications➔➔

Plasma science technologies have revolutionized industry and our everyday lives:◆ created the semiconductor manufacturing industry◆ advanced environmental hazard clean-up in air, soil and drinking water◆ spawned novel medical treatments and imaging◆ plasma-based chemical processing for the production of new materials, means torecycle plastics and other wastes; improvements in the efficiency of typicallyenergy-intensive chemical processes; methods to convert carbon-free electricalenergy into the products that power society
Translation of basic plasma research into actual technologies can be accelerated by amore organized and formal investment, including partnerships with industry and otherfederal agencies, for example, NSF, NIH, USDA, and EPA

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PST Recommendation: High-Intensity Laser Initiative
Recommendation: Coordinate a High Intensity Laser Research Initiative incollaboration with relevant DOE offices and other federal agencies
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High intensity lasers are opening new fields across plasma physics, as highlighted in two
NAS reports, “Opportunities in Intense Ultrafast Laser: Reaching for the Brightest Light”
and “Plasma Science,” and the 2019 Brightest Light Initiative workshop report
A new type of organization is needed to maintain the vitality of this research field in the
US and to make available petawatt-scale and high repetition rate laser technologies
FES has an opportunity to take a leading role in coordinating a high intensity laser
research initiative
Support is also needed for a user network of academic and national laboratory highintensity laser facilities
This would resolve fragmentation where no single national funding agency has
responsibility for the field as a whole

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PST Recommendation: Multi-PW & HRR Lasers
Recommendation: Pursue the development of a multi-petawatt laser facility and ahigh-repetition-rate high-intensity laser facility in the US➔➔➔

Advanced ultrafast lasers that go beyond the state-of-the-art in high peak power and invery high average power (kilowatts and beyond) would open new frontiers in thelaser-based science of particle acceleration, advanced light sources, high-field physics
and nonlinear quantum electrodynamics, laser-driven nuclear physics, and extremematerials and astrophysics
Competition in this arena is fierce, with new multi-petawatt and petawatt-classhigh-repetition-rate lasers already coming online in Europe and Asia
The US has an opportunity to stay competitive by leveraging decades-long investments
and know-how in laser technology, while combining competencies in multiple emerging
technologies (machine learning, advanced manufacturing, diagnostics, and edge
computing) to develop a formidable capability that will rapidly accelerate the HED field

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PST Recommendation: Networks
Recommendation: Support networks to coordinate research and broaden access tostate-of-the-art facilities, diagnostics, and computational tools
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Networks provide an organizational structure that supports collaboration by increasing
access to experimental facilities, diagnostics, and computational tools
LaserNetUS is a very successful model that provides researchers access tostate-of-the-art facilities to conduct frontier experiments, enabling workforce
development, and facilitating coordination and collaboration
Similar models are likely to have comparable impact in other areas, including in low
temperature plasmas, laboratory magnetized plasmas, and pulsed power
Networks should include access to resources for computational modeling anddiagnostics
Networks provide a mechanism to organize the community input that defines
next-generation user facilities

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PST Recommendation: Lab Astro & Space Plasmas
Recommendation: Strengthen support of laboratory-based research relevant toastrophysical and space plasmas through increased programmatic and facility funding
as well as expansion of partnership opportunities
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Space and astrophysical plasma physics are enjoying an exciting time of discovery:◆ The Parker Solar Probe is orbiting close enough to the sun to directly measure thesolar wind at its origin. The mechanisms by which the solar wind is accelerated andheated are among the most important open research topics in plasma science◆ Deep space imaging has given us the first visualization of an accretion disk
Controlled lab experiments can isolate, control, and diagnose plasma phenomena
responsible for the complex behaviors seen in plasma systems throughout the cosmos
A partnership could be established with NASA, taking advantage of a recent NASA-DOE
MOU. The existing partnership between DOE and NSF could also be leveraged
Experimental capabilities need to be advanced, including the development of asolar-wind-relevant midscale experiment

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Cross-Cutting Rec: Foundational Research
Recommendation: Ensure robust support for foundational research activities that
underpin all aspects of plasma and fusion science and technology
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Foundational research activities across the breadth of the FES portfolio must be robustly
supported
Fundamental theoretical research is essential for developing new models, insights, andinnovations
Must continue taking advantage of advanced scientific computing tools that can further
improve our fundamental understanding and predictive modeling capabilities, including in
Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI),Quantum Information Science (QIS),
and exascale computing
A healthy program for developing diagnostics, measurement, and control techniques for areactor environment and the broader environment of plasmas is important
There is community consensus in favor of increased support for programs to develop
critical enabling technologies that advance plasma and fusion science and technology
and reduce the cost of resulting applications, including an FPP

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42Cross-Cutting Recommendation: Fundamental Data
Recommendation: Support research that supplies the fundamental data required toadvance fusion energy and plasma science and engineering
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Models and diagnostics in many areas of plasma science rely heavily on fundamental
data for physical processes such as cross sections and rate coefficients, as well as
materials properties such as strength and opacity
These are essential elements of plasma physics and nuclear science which should be
more strongly supported
In many instances, models are limited by the absence of accurate input data, rather
than knowledge of plasma physics
Research that both supplies and verifies such fundamental data is essential to advancein many areas of plasma science, including development of models
This type of research does not currently have a clear source of funding

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43Budget exercises: Scenarios
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Plans have been developed for the three budget scenarios as described in the charge◆ constant level of effort [published OMB inflators]◆ modest growth [2% above published OMB inflators]◆ unconstrained (but prioritized)
Scenarios help convey information about prioritization, but there are no additional
recommendations made that stand outside of these specific budget exercises
Following the charge, the scenarios are considered starting from the FY19 budget,
specifically focusing on the non-ITER construction project portion, which does not include
significant resources dedicated to design and construction of facilities
For this reason, in the two constrained scenarios, any recommended new construction
is funded by redirecting resources from current facility operations and research
programs. This redirection is confined within each of the two thematic areas (FSTand PST).
We assume that all costs for programs and facilities are born entirely by FES. All
activities, especially major facilities, should seek partnership, but we do not take credit forthis in assembling the scenarios, making these conservative projections.

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44Consequences of Constrained Scenarios
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While the constrained scenarios require difficult choices, they are constructed torepresent a balanced program with prioritization and emphasis on critical elements that
advance the fusion energy mission and sustain scientific impact and technologicalprogress
Nonetheless, the constrained scenarios do not provide sufficient resources toconfidently prepare for an FPP by the 2040s
Large projects in the plasma science and technology area are unfunded, including
MEC-U, which is already at CD-0 and heading toward CD-1 this FY◆ Construction of major facilities can not be supported by redirecting small resources
currently in PST program◆ Combined support for PST elsewhere in federal government substantial; facilities
like MEC-U would draw research support outside of FES
This has consequences as it will cost the US its position as a global leader in fusionenergy and plasma science, and compromise future developments with importantsocietal implications

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

45Constant level of effort scenario➔

In this scenario, pivoting and redirection of funds enables the program to undertake anumber of exciting and vital new activities◆ On-schedule completion of MPEX construction and operation◆ Establish mission need and design for FPNS, construction starts (late in
decade)◆ Immediate formation of a nascent ITER research team
◆ Buildup of domestic collaborative FPP design effort◆ Increased investment in critical FM&T research programs◆ Construction of a coupon-level High-Heat-Flux facility (late in decade)◆Small-scale programs continue, theory and computation support maintained with apivot to support FM&T needs◆◆◆

Re-establish a modest IFE program, focus on enabling technology
Formation of a limited new plasma-based technology program
Maintain support for single-PI researchers, collaborative facilities, andLaserNetUS

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

46

Constant scenario: lost opportunities➔

However, the new initiatives and pivoting of program elements are only achieved
at great cost to existing areas of US strength, and many time-critical
opportunities for future innovation, impact, and leadership are missed.
◆
◆
◆

◆
◆
◆

Opportunity to build MEC-Upgrade is lost (R&D can proceed at modest level)
EXCITE mission need established and design work begins, but initiation of
construction highly unlikely to begin within 10-year horizon
Can’t start significant new initiatives● Can’t build mid-scale stellarator, solar wind facility, BCTF, laser facilities● Not able to grow support for alternate confinement concepts
Plasma-based tech program requires redirection from from existing PST research
New networks (MagNet, ZNet, LTPNet) encouraged but very limited in scope
The increased emphasis on FM&T activities also requires a reduction in domestic
tokamak research and operations

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

47

Constant Scenario: pivoting tokamak effort
➔

➔
➔
➔

Given the budget constraints of the charge, and values expressed by the community, theonly viable way to redirect sufficient funds for new FM&T priorities and facility
construction within FST is a reduction of existing domestic tokamak operations
A modest but immediate reduction in operations funding to the existing major tokamak
facilities (DIII-D and NSTX-U) is required to enable growth of FM&T research programs
A more significant reduction (~50%) in the mid-2020s, likely resulting in the cessation ofoperations of one of the major tokamak facilities, is required to enable FPNS constructionMore aggressive rampdowns were considered, but it was concluded that this approach
would only marginally advance timelines at the expense of losing workforce expertisedeemed essential to closing the tokamak physics gap◆ Less aggressive rampdowns did not provide sufficient urgency to meet the priorities
expressed by the community

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

48Constant Scenario: Pivoting tokamak effort➔➔

This pivoting of tokamak research and facility utilization should proceed at a pace whichenables total tokamak research funding to continue at a stable level, with changes infacility emphasis and timing clearly communicated in advance to avoid significant
workforce continuity challenges
Continued growth of the ITER research team and expanded private and international
collaborations provides increased access to the burning plasma regime and helps offset
the reduced research effort on the existing facilities◆ Mid-decade provides natural transition point with end of 5-year plans, next iterationof this process, targeted start of new facilities including ITER first plasma, MPEX
completion

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

49Modest growth: Substantial ROI➔

The return on the investment of the relatively small increment from the constant level ofeffort to modest growth scenario is substantial◆ More robust funding for PST programs advance tech & science drivers◆ Small enhancement projects to the existing PST facilities and networks are pursued to
expand capabilities and increase their availability◆ Investments in new Network coordination enables expansion of US leadership◆ FPNS is accelerated 2-3 years, operations targeted to begin within 10-year horizon● Related structural and functional materials program expanded◆ Possible for construction of EXCITE to begin in later 2020s, as well as pursuit ofalternate approaches to closing the tokamak core/edge exhaust challenge◆ An expanded ITER research team in later 2020s also becomes feasible◆ Increased support for cross-cutting research areas such as theory, simulation,
advanced computing, and diagnostic development is available

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

50Modest growth scenario➔

However, there are still costs incurred and opportunities missed in the modest growthscenario◆ Meeting the goal of FPP readiness by the 2040s remains highly unlikely◆ Significant reductions to the US tokamak program are still required (equivalent to theconstant level of effort scenario)● Important to keep at least one tokamak operating as EXCITE is developed◆ Important time-sensitive opportunities for US leadership such as construction of
MEC-Upgrade cannot be acted upon➔

While the actions recommended in this scenario help further align the FES program withthe technology and science drivers, the ability to act with urgency, enable innovation,and drive US leadership in this scenario remains highly constrainedPowering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

51

Unconstrained (but prioritized)
➔
➔
➔
➔
➔

First, FPNS is further accelerated, with operations anticipated in later half of 2020s
The next slides list additional facilities and program enhancements identified to takeadvantage of the opportunities provided by the full breadth and creativity of the program
Prioritization of facilities and their supporting research programs was determined byfactoring in the timeliness and urgency of the activities in supporting the strategic plan
In addition to the supporting research efforts for the facilities, a prioritized list of new
and expanded programs was developed
Facility needs are primary cost drivers and would be selected first, along with programchanges needed to accompany those new facilities. Once possible facilities investments
are identified, additional investment would go into the prioritized list of programs.

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

52

Unconstrained: Prioritized Facilities
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

At equal priority:● Design, construct, and operate EXCITE by 2030
● Construct and operate MEC-Upgrade
Design, construct and operate a new Stellarator facility
Design, construct and operate a Blanket Component Test Facility
Design, construct and operate a new Solar Wind Facility
Design and begin construction of a component-level High-Heat Flux Testing Facility
Construct and operate a large-scale multi-petawatt laser facility
With partnerships, design, construct and operate a High Repetition Rate laser facility
With partnerships, design, construct and operate a mid-scale Z-Pinch facility

For each facility listed here in priority order, it is essential to grow the supporting research
programs along with facility design, construction, and operation

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

53Unconstrained: Prioritized Programs
1.

2.

3.

At equal priority:○ Strengthen FM&T programs (materials, blankets, tritium, magnets, solid and liquid
PFCs), increase support for research and operations on existing tokamaks inthe early 2020s, and ensure optimal support of the national FPP design effort○ Strengthen programs in PST to optimize progress and discoveries in frontier
plasma science and the plasma universe
Strengthen support for the plasma-based technology program, with significant
expansion in the number of grants, establishment of multiple technology-related centers,
and a robust technology transition program
Strengthen additional FST programs to optimize progress (stellarator physics, heating
and current drive (H&CD) technologies, balance of plant technology), and ensure
optimal support of the ITER research team in the mid to late 2020s

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

54Unconstrained: Prioritized Programs
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Increase operations support and aggressive upgrades to the LaserNetUS network
to expand the base of users while allowing for a diverse set of capabilities that maintain
U.S. competitivenessEstablish a program to develop innovative fusion core concepts using rigorous
evaluation and metrics
Expand the IFE program to more aggressively pursue IFE requirements andtechnologies
Explore concepts for volumetric neutron irradiation to carry out component-scaletesting
Strengthen and expand networks to coordinate and leverage researchers and facilities
in pulsed power, basic magnetized plasma experiments, and low temperature plasmas

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

55

Unconstrained: Fully realize the strategy➔

With this scenario, all necessary elements could be advanced to the appropriatetechnology readiness level to enable readiness for a fusion pilot plant by the 2040s,
and expand US leadership in plasma science and technology➔

Clearly, this scenario grows the FES program significantly beyond the constant level ofeffort or modest growth scenarios➔

However, with careful staging of new facility construction, program pivoting, andaggressive utilization of public-private partnerships, we believe that much of what isrecommended in this scenario can be accomplished in a timely manner and underrealizable budgets

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

56Appendix A

Public Private Partnerships

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57

Public-private partnerships (PPP) are highly recommended to rapidly
and efficiently enhance scientific and technological capabilities➔

Both general and fusion-specific plasma science and technology programs benefit fromrobust PPP collaborations➔

Insights gained from basic and applied plasma science research lead to innovations that
ultimately are developed into technologies in partnership with industry➔

Strategic partnership between public programs and private activities can resolve common
problems facing fusion and plasma science in creating◆◆➔

a competitive energy source in the U.S. market
new technologies utilizing plasma processes

Nature & missions of private companies in basic plasma science and fusion energy
development differ; breadth and maturity of existing PPP programs also differ

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58

Fusion Science and Technology PPP programs➔➔➔➔

Low Technical Readiness Level (existing)Milestone based facility program (new)Mature stage programs (new)Facility design collaboration (new)➔ Periodic sharing of information is suggested so that public programs
remain adaptable, and both sides might benefit from documented
accomplishments

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

59

Low TRL technology maturation programs should be expanded toenhance the scope and scale for closure of key technology gaps
➔
➔
➔

➔
➔
➔

SBIR/STTR - develops innovative techniques, instrumentation, and concepts that haveapplications to industries in the private sector
ARPA-E ALPHA - tools to develop lower cost pathways to fusion energy
ARPA-E BETHE - higher maturity, lower cost fusion technology via development of◆ less mature concepts◆ component development of mature concepts◆ capability teams to accelerate development of all concepts
ARPA-E GAMOW - prioritizes R&D in technologies between fusion plasma/balance of plant,high-duty cycle drivers, and cross-cutting areas such as materials and additive manufacturing
INFUSE - accelerates fusion energy development in the private sector via collaborations with
DOE laboratories
Milestone-based cost share program should be created for enabling technologies thatare of larger scale than above programs◆ Magnets, high-power microwave and RF sources, neutron sources for materials
irradiation, systems for tritium breeding blankets and tritium processing and PFCs

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

60

We support the concept of a milestone-based cost share program
aimed at the demonstration of integrated facilities➔➔➔

Potential for rapid and cost-effective technological gap closure
Executed as a parallel investment to augment the public long-range plan
“Multiple shots on goal”: this strategy maintains robust effort in public program while
supporting high-risk, high-reward private efforts to develop fusion energy➔

Example: FIA proposed facility cost-share program◆ Parallels to the NASA COTS program
Driven by the market research and identified needs; leverages the focus privatecompanies provide for fast and efficient product delivery
Each private sector participant would meet the agreed-upon milestones to receive thepublic funds in a 50-50 cost share fraction➔➔

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

61

New mature stage PPP programs to further aid
commercialization of fusion energy should be considered

in

the

➔ Most aggressive industry plans aim for fusion power on the grid in theearly 2030s➔ Mature stage PPP programs will be needed in advance of thegroundbreaking for the power-producing facilities, which could occur assoon as the mid-to-late 2020s➔ Examples:◆◆

Loan guarantee programsLong-term power purchase agreement program, which would simplify
financing for the future private sector fusion power facilities

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62

Private entities can help to develop new experimental facilities
needed to close the FST program gaps in a timely fashion➔➔➔

Including private sector input in the design of these facilities could reduce costs anddevelopment time by leveraging private sector efficiencies and practices◆ Most effective where mutual benefits are evident◆ Generally, the public program should seek to procure available capabilities andequipment from the private sector
Private access to operating public sector facilities (and vice-versa) can provide an
efficient method to close technical gaps of mutual interest

FES-funded programs should strive to make information available between public andprivate sectors◆ A pathway for information transfer from public to private should exist◆ E.g. access to ITER design information should be provided to US domiciled
companies by FESPowering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

63Plasma Science and Technology PPP programs➔ Low Technical Readiness Level (existing)➔ Shared Research Programs

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

64Low TRL advancement programs, e.g. SBIR and STTR, should becontinued➔ Insight gained from basic plasma science has led to societally
important contributions; some of these were advanced via SBIR and
STTR programs◆ Plasma accelerators as promising techniques for cancer treatment◆ Atmospheric plasmas for chemical processing, the treatment ofdisease, water and air purification, material processing, and light
production◆ RF discharge technology for semiconductor manufacturing

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

65

Research consortia with public and private sectors to solve common
technical problems in plasma science and technology are encouraged
➔

➔
➔

➔

Sematech consortium: a partnership between 14 US semiconductor companies and thefederal government, focused on improving manufacturing capability◆ Plasma science plays a key role in the processing of semiconductor devices◆ In the 1980s, the US had fallen behind in semiconductor manufacturing◆ The consortium enabled the US to reclaim its leadership role and now leads globallywith nearly 50% of the market share
A private-public incubator in the semiconductor industry should be established thatprioritizes research focused on breakthroughs in the 5-to-10-year timeframe
New shared research programs would extend beyond SBIR/STTR and more closely alignwith priorities◆ Atmospheric pressure plasmas, RF plasmas, plasma accelerators
Technology transfer programs as used by NSF should be considered◆ The NSF Partnership in Innovation program supports single investigators to carryout customer discovery and develop technology based on prior research

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

66

Public-private partnerships (PPP) are highly recommended to rapidly
and efficiently enhance scientific and technological capabilities➔ Low TRL advancement programs should be enhanced➔ New targeted programs to facilitate fusion energy development
and advance plasma science applications are recommended➔ Implementation of these programs will enhance competitivenessand unlock innovations for maximum societal benefit

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

67Appendix B

Developing a Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Workforce

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68

DEI, workforce & outreach are part of our plan
The success of this strategic plan requires innovation, creativity and a talented,
multidisciplinary and diverse workforce.
➔ effective expansion of our workforce requires tapping into the full available talentpool, which better reflects the diversity of race and ethnicity, gender, background,and identity, as well as enacting policies aimed at improving the social climate
to increase retention.
➔ The dual efforts of improving DEI and developing workforce, in turn, stem from aneffective outreach effort that spans all stages
This appendix seeks to enable this by detailing actions that can be taken to achieve amore diverse, equitable and inclusive environment and growth of the needed workforce

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...and require action from all other stakeholders
The CPP report made a number of recommendations on DEI, workforce and outreach,all of which should be acted on.
➔ Here we have identified and first present specific recommendations that are
actionable by DOE or otherwise within the federal government.
➔ Later we list recommendations actionable by other agencies, institutions andstakeholders

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

70Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
For a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment in the field of FES, we recommend:➔

Unwarranted conscious or unconscious bias should be discouraged by FES-funded
programs, for instance by implementing double blind peer-reviewing of proposals➔

Implementing an additional requirement in proposals for the consideration andpromotion of DEI efforts as an integral aspect of the review process for institutions
seeking federal funding from DOE OFES➔

Policies that promote work-life balance are especially essential towards achieving better
gender and financial-background equality and will improve the overall diversity of theworkforce. FES can take further action to accommodate parenthood among its funding
recipients, for instance by working with principal investigators to adjust milestones
and deliverables to accommodate research team members who take family leave.

Powering the Future: Fusion & Plasmas

71Workforce development
In order to attract and recruit the best talent, and to retain them and grow our workforce,
it is essential to restore DOE’s ability to execute discipline-specific workforce
development programs:➔

A recent policy change by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) placed
significant limits on workforce and outreach programs at DOE, with theunintended consequence of eliminating discipline-specific programs that were
not being duplicated at other agencies➔

This eliminated an important graduate fellowship program, placed limits onundergraduate research programs executed by DOE, and lost a broader
undergraduate research program that placed undergraduates at a wide range ofinstitutions, where they could participate in a wider spectrum of FES research
activities

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72

Workforce development➔

Reinstate or create fellowships to recruit and retain the best students into
FES research areas, including a diverse applicant pool. Expand support directly to
students and postdocs and early career scientists. Programs should emphasize
broadening the recruitment pool and opportunities for women, underrepresented
minorities (URM), and other underrepresented groups and support work at National
Laboratories, Universities, and private companies.

➔

Expand or create programs that aim to increase and retain faculty lines atuniversities and colleges, including faculty start-up grants to incentivize
departments to grow their existing fusion or plasma science/technology faculty
numbers or to start such a program. This program can also address equity anddiversity, and support retention of faculty by expanding ECAs to non-tenure facultyat universities and implementing joint university/national lab faculty development
programs.

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73

Outreach
Recruiting the best workforce requires reaching out to a broad sector of the public, atevery educational level. Thus we recommend that FES support outreach efforts in:➔

Use FES resources to promote plasma science, and in particular fusion
science. The goal of these outreach activities is to create a broad entrance tothe plasma and fusion science and technology workforce pipeline, which will
enable access to the diversity required to execute the program.

➔

Such resources could also support pre-college outreach to engage the youngest
minds with the FES program and inspire students to consider careers in plasma
and fusion science. The latter could include student design competitions, whichhave proven successful for the promotion and attractiveness of other fields.

➔

These FES resources can be used to support the development of a new
public-facing website for plasma science and fusion

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74

Actionable by other stakeholders
Some recommendations are only actionable working with other agencies, institutions
and stakeholders. Institutions and agencies funded by or working in fields of FES
should➔engage DEI experts to advise our community and develop assessment tools➔

expand recruitment pools and identify currently underrepresented areas➔

adopt or update Policies and Codes of Conduct (e.g., for events) and training➔

create an accessible environment for all members of our community➔

In addition to direct FES action as indicated above, FES should work withinstitutions on more uniform family leave policies across institutions➔

develop flexible post-undergraduate education options, facilitate employment ofscientists and engineers with BS/MS degrees at FES facilities, and establish
BS/MS development programs

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75