Inflows and Outflows of Nuclear Fusion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3683Keywords:
Inputs, Outputs, Nuclear fusion, D-T, Lithium, Helium, Clean energyAbstract
Nuclear fusion is regarded as a promising source of clean energy in the future. However, if nuclear fusion is scaled up by 2050, certain materials will be required as inputs and certain materials will be generated as outputs. If we assume that future researchers will be able to develop fusion reactors so that it is globally scaled up, it is important to know how much fuel and by-products will be needed and generated since this would enable future policy makers, entrepreneurs and researchers to analyse the supply chain issues that may be associated with the technology. This paper creates relevant formulas to calculate an estimate of the amount of Lithium needed to be mined and the amount of Helium that would be generated if D-T fusion is scaled up to supply particular percentages of the global energy required in 2050. It also summarizes the major fusion reactions and technologies. The results aim to support future policy decisions, resource planning, and environmental assessments by identifying potential bottlenecks in the supply chain and evaluating the long-term sustainability of fusion power.
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