Overview of Fusion Engineering Research in Japan Focusing on Activities in NIFS and Universities

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of Japanese fusion engineering research activities focusing on those being carried out by the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) and Japanese universities (Universities). NIFS is promoting the Fusion Engineering Research Project (FERP) as one of three research projects. The majority of the activity in FERP is being carried out by collaboration with Universities. Utilizing the core facilities installed in NIFS and the unique infrastructures of Universities, collaboration between NIFS and Universities is performed for the superconducting magnet, the liquid breeder blanket, advanced materials, high heat flux components, and tritium safety. NIFS also carries out international collaboration programs such as Japan-China–based, Japan-U.S.–based, and International Energy Agency–based collaborations, promoting participation of University researchers. Division of responsibilities with the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), contributions to the ITER Broader Approach, and the Action Plan Toward DEMO Development are also reported.