Recommendations on the nature and level of US participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) extension of the engineering design activities

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Research chartered through the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) a panel to "address t he topic of U.S. participation in an ITER construction phase, assuming the ITER Parties decide to proceed with construction." Given that there is expe cted to be a transition period of 3 to 5 years between the conclusion of th e Engineering Design Activities (EDA) and the possible construction start, the DOE Office of Energy Research expanded the charge to "include the U.S. role in an interim period between the EDA and construction." This panel has heard presentations and received input from a wide cross-sec tion of parties with an interest in the fusion program. The panel concluded it could best fulfill its responsibility under this charge by considering the fusion energy science and technology portion of the U.S. program in its entirely. Accordingly, the panel is making some recommendations for optimu m use of the transition period considering the goals of the fusion program and budget pressures.