**GAO-08-30**                      Published: Oct 26, 2007. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The United States is pursuing two paths to fusion energy--magnetic and inertial. On November 21, 2006, the United States signed an agreement with five countries and the European Union to build and operate the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, France, to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic fusion energy. The United States also built and operates facilities to pursue inertial fusion energy research. This report discusses (1) U.S. contributions to ITER and the challenges, if any, in managing this international fusion program and (2) the Department of Energy's (DOE) management of alternative fusion research activities, including National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiatives. In performing this work, GAO analyzed budget documents, briefings, and reports that focused on research and funding priorities for the fusion program. GAO also met with officials from DOE, NNSA, and the ITER Organization in France.

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## Topics

Energy

Budget outlaysCost analysisEnergy researchFinancial analysisForeign governmentsFusionFuture budget projectionsHuman capital planningInteragency relationsNuclear energyNuclear facilitiesNuclear reactorsProgram managementQuality assuranceResearch and developmentResearch and development facilitiesResearch program managementSchedule slippagesStrategic planningCost estimatesProgram coordinationProgram costsProgram goals or objectives