Discussion on fast track and impact on materials R&D strategy – fusion material issues for the energy systems in future

Abstract

The requirements for fusion reactor materials and the impact of reactor study on these requirements are discussed within the strategy for early generation tokamak plants, often called the `fast track' approach. Two major features of the fusion materials, high operating temperatures and reduced activation, are considered as examples. When the entire plant is designed, the use of high temperature materials does not guarantee high thermal efficiency, and selection of reduced activation material does not necessarily lead to reduction of waste quantity. In order to achieve these goals, careful coordination of the thermal design of the blanket and generating turbine systems for efficiency, and coordination of nuclear analysis and waste management policy for waste reduction, are respectively needed. These considerations show the importance of integration of materials development and system design.