The American Nuclear Society supports a vigorous research and development program for fusion energy. Fusion represents a sustainable energy source with favorable safety and environmental features. The timely advent of fusion as a practical energy source may be crucial. The long-term benefits of fusion energy are sufficiently great to warrant a sustained effort aimed at advancing fusion science and technology.
International cooperation is a cost-effective complement to strong national programs.
Recent scientific progress in fusion research has been encouraging and warrants an enhanced and expanded fusion engineering and technology development program. Based on the continuing success of physics and technology development programs, it appears technically feasible to develop fusion energy to the commercial stage within the first half of the 21st century. Increased funding, however, will be needed. To be commercially successful, fusion must demonstrate social, environmental, and economic attractiveness relative to its future competitors. Fusion must anticipate and meet future regulatory and licensing requirements.