Significant advances have been made in fusion science, and a point has been reached
when we need to decide if the United States is ready to begin a burning plasma
experiment. A burning plasma—in which at least 50 percent of the energy to drive
the fusion reaction is generated internally—is an essential step to reach the goal of
fusion power generation. The Burning Plasma Assessment Committee was formed to
provide advice on this decision. The committee concluded that there is high confidence
in the readiness to proceed with the burning plasma step. The International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), with the United States as a significant
partner, was the best choice. Once a commitment to ITER is made, fulfilling it should
become the highest priority of the U.S. fusion research program. A funding trajectory
is required that both captures the benefits of joining ITER and retains a strong scientific
focus on the long-range goals of the program. Addition of the ITER project will
require that the content, scope, and level of U.S. fusion activity be defined by program
balancing through a priority-setting process initiated by the Office of Fusion
Energy Science.



Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Next Steps for the Fusion Science Program
2 Scientific and Technological Value and Interest in a Burning Plasma
3 Readiness for Undertaking a Burning Plasma Experiment
4 Program Structure and Balance
Appendix A: Charge to the Burning Plasma Assessment Committee
Appendix B: Committee Meeting Agendas
Appendix C: Proposed Burning Plasma Experiments
Appendix D: Fusion Community Recommendations
Appendix E: Committee's Interim Report
Appendix F: Fusion Reactor Concepts
Appendix G: Biographies of Committee Member
Glossary