Physics and technology conditions for attaining tritium self-sufficiency for the DT fuel cycle

Abstract

There is no practical external source of tritium for fusion energy development beyond ITER and all subsequent fusion systems have to breed their own tritium. To ensure tritium self-sufficiency, the calculated achievable tritium breeding ratio (TBR) should be equal to or greater than the required TBR. The potential of achieving tritium self-sufficiency depends on many system physics and technology parameters. Interactive physics and technology R&D programs should be implemented to determine the potential of realizing those physics and technology options and parameters that have large effects on attaining a realistic “window” for tritium self-sufficiency. The ranges of plasma and technology conditions that need to be met, in order to ensure tritium self-sufficiency, are identified.