Additively manufactured nanoporous foam targets for economically viable inertial fusion energy

Abstract

Nuclear fusion is receiving tremendous global interest due to its promise as a source of clean and abundant energy. Although scientific breakeven was recently demonstrated via inertial confinement fusion, economic breakeven has not yet been achieved in any form of fusion. A key barrier for economic viability is the high cost of fabricating the fuel containers (i.e., the targets). Here, we present a quantitative framework and apply it to generate a target manufacturing technology development roadmap to enable economically viable inertial fusion energy. We examine the impact of our recent work in nanoscale additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing) and identify the next steps toward economically viable fusion energy. Our analysis has implications for manufacturing technology developers, fusion power plant designers, funding agencies, and policy makers. It demonstrates that economic target manufacturing cannot be achieved by merely increasing the industrial capacity; instead, novel affordable manufacturing technologies must be developed.