Tokamak Fusion Reactors
Background Nuclear fusion research focuses on using different forms of hydrogen fuel, such as tritium and deuterium, in an attempt to generate energy that theoretically could be used to provide electric power. The DOE's fusion energy program focuses on tokamak reactors, which were invented by the Russians in the 1960s. This technology will not prove commercially viable for at least forty more years, if at all, and will generate significant radioactive waste.
Green Scissors Proposal Terminate existing tokamak reactors, cancel construction of the similar spherical torus reactor, and adhere to a withdrawal from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) program. These actions would save at least $1 billion.
Project Hurts Taxpayers Tokamak technology is a bad investment. Even the most optimistic fusion proponents admit that commercial fusion energy is at least 45 years away and will cost roughly $1 billion per year. Furthermore, electric utilities are not interested in sharing the research cost burden.
Project Hurts Environment Tokamaks generate radioactive waste. While it may be possible to generate fusion energy in an environmentally benign manner, the current tokamak technology uses radioactive tritium as a fuel and generates large quantities of radioactive waste. A 1991 DOE policy memo ranking energy technology options on the basis of economics, market, and environmental risk, ranked fusion 22nd out of 23.
$1 billion