Progress in US fusion safety and environmental activities over the last decade

Magnetic fusion energy has the potential for superior safety and environmen tal (S&E) characteristics relative to other energy options, which is one of the main reasons for developing fusion power. Excellent progress has been made in understanding the nature of the SEE concerns associated with fusion power and in demonstrating the S&E potential effusion. Over the past 10 yr , U.S. fusion S&E activities have been largely focused on the international Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The design of ITER is such that the hazards addressed are similar to those of a future fusion power plant; hence, many of the safety issues addressed by ITER are relevant to commerc ial fusion power plants. This paper reviews the progress and accomplishments infusion S&E activities performed largely in support of ITER over the past decade and discusses fu ture directions in fusion safety design criteria development and implementa tion; characterization of the radioactive and hazardous materials in fusion and the potential energy sources that could mobilize those materials durin g an accident; integrated state-of-the-art safety and risk analysis took me thods, and results; and development of environmental design criteria for ra dioactive and hazardous fusion waste minimization as well as the evaluation of recycle/reuse potential effusion materials.