
doi: 10.2172/1056803
Nuclear proliferation risks from magnetic fusion energy associated with access to fissile materials can be divided into three main categories: 1) clandestine production of fissile material in an undeclared facility, 2) covert production and diversion of such material in a declared and safeguarded facility, and 3) use of a declared facility in a breakout scenario, in which a state openly produces fissile material in violation of international agreements. The degree of risk in each of these categories is assessed, taking into account both state and non-state actors, and it is found that safeguards are required for fusion energy to be highly attractive from a non-proliferation standpoint. Specific safeguard requirements and R&D needs are outlined for each category of risk, and the technical capability of the ITER experiment, under construction, to contribute to this R&D is noted. A preliminary analysis indicates a potential legal pathway for fusion power systems to be brought under the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. "Vertical" proliferation risks associated with tritium and with the knowledge that can be gained from inertial fusion energy R&D are outlined.
Inertial Confinement Fusion, Safeguards Non Proliferation, General Physics, Design, Fusion Power, Fusion Reactors, 70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology Fusion Power, 71 Classical And Quantum Mechanics, Tritium, Next Step Fusion Devices
Inertial Confinement Fusion, Safeguards Non Proliferation, General Physics, Design, Fusion Power, Fusion Reactors, 70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology Fusion Power, 71 Classical And Quantum Mechanics, Tritium, Next Step Fusion Devices
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