Parametric studies of applications of controlled thermonuclear reactor fusion energy for food production

Abstract

Food and energy shortages in many parts of the world in the past two years raise an immediate need for the evaluation of energy input in food production. The present paper investigates systematically 1. (1) the energy requirement for food production 2. (2) the provision of controlled thermonuclear fusion energy for major energy intensive sectors of food manufacturing. Energy input for fertilizers, irrigation water and food processing (such as beet sugar refining, dough making and single cell protein manufacturing) have been chosen for detailed study. A controlled thermonuclear power reactor was used to provide electrical and thermal energy for these processes. Conceptual designs of the application of controlled thermonuclear power, water and air for methanol and ammonia synthesis and single cell protein production are presented. Economic analysis shows that these processes can eventually be competitive.