Action on Fusion Plant Urged

A study by a National Academy of Sciences panel last week called on the United States to increase its efforts to develop a high-temperature hydrogen fusion power plant by the late 1990s.

The study recommended construction of the Compact Ignition Tokamak, a $455-million experimental apparatus designed to ignite a fusion fire that releases more energy than it consumes.

“How soon fusion energy can become a long-term electric energy supply alternative depends on the priority, pace and success of fusion energy research and development, both in the United States and abroad,” the study said.

The National Academy of Sciences study was completed before the announcement by the University of Utah of a supposed process to create fusion at room temperature using batteries and a jar of water. The findings of the “cold fusion” work are being widely challenged.