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Question 2: What would be the best worldwide configuration of magnetic 

 fusion energy facilities from the point of view of developing its potential? 

 How might this best be determined? 



Answer: In the Magnetic Fusion Program Plan, the four remaining key 

 technical issues in fusion are defined as development of acceptable magnetic 

 confinement systems, exploration of the properties of burning plasma, 

 development of satisfactory fusion materials, and the development of fusion 

 nuclear technology. If we knew today which confinement system would ulti- 

 mately be used for fusion application, two or more of these issues could be 

 addressed in a single multipurpose facility. We do not, however, have that 

 knowledge today. Therefore, for the most effective use of the program funds 

 addressing the interrelated aspects of fusion, these issues should be 

 pursued in parallel, in separate single purpose facilities. Furthermore, 

 currently available resources require the use of lower cost, single purpose 

 facilities to the extent possible. Parallel pursuit is being undertaken, 

 with the timing and pace determined by program need, technical knowledge, 

 and resource availability. As Indicated schematically on the Major 

 Technical Milestones and Decisions chart (attached) in the Plan, a major 

 facility for the resolution of each issue will likely be required at some 

 time in the future in order to reach the program goal. 



Given these four issues, the significant costs for major facilities to 

 address these issues, and the special Interests and skills of the existing 

 major world programs, the best worldwide program would be one of coordinated 

 facilities in which each national program would take the technical leader- 

 ship for one of the necessary facilities with the active, though modest 

 scale, involvement of the other participants. Such a program would require 

 the assurance that each new facility would be defined and designed on the 



