Helium-3 as a Perspective Fuel for Power Generation through Aneutronic Thermonuclear Fusion

Abstract

The aneutronic D3–He (deuterium–helium-3) fuel cycle is considered as a viable alternative to D–T (deuterium–tritium) fusion since it is ecologically much safer than the latter. It is practically as safe as the aneutronic p–11B (proton–boron-11) reaction. The interest to aneutronic fuel cycles as perspective sources of thermonuclear energy is largely shown by privately-financed venture companies. The plasma-confinement techniques to be employed in planned D–3He thermonuclear reactors and their parameters are reviewed. The problem of helium-3 mining is discussed, and its terrestrial abundance is estimated. Possible applications of weakly-radioactive and aneutronic reactions and fuel cycles are considered.