Provisions of H.R. 4908, the Physics Research Authorization Bill - Fusion

Before going on a summer recess, the House passed H.R. 4908, the Hydrogen, Fusion, and High Energy and Nuclear Physics Research Act of 1994. The major provisions of this legislation to authorize, but not fund, the fusion energy programs of the Department of Energy are as follows:

TITLE II, FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAM

SECTION 202, Purposes, states:

“The purposes of this title are- (1) to provide direction and authorize appropriations for a broadly based fusion energy research, development, and demonstration program; (2) to ensure that alternative fusion concepts receive adequate funding and management attention from the Department of Energy; (3) to provide an accelerated commitment to United States participation in ITER and provide authorization of appropriations for such activity contingent on meeting program milestones; and (4) to provide for the selection of a host country and establish a site selection process for ITER.”

SECTION 203, Fusion Energy Research Program, states:

Program Goals: "...to demonstrate by the year 2010 the practicability of commercial electric power production and to lead to commercial production of fusion energy by the year 2040.”

Program Elements: (1) “Research, development, and demonstration on magnetic fusion energy technology, including -- research on plasma physics and control, confinement, ignition, and burning;" “the design, construction, and operation of experimental fusion reactors, including the Tokamak Physics Experiment, and the development of special materials for such reactors....” (2) “Research, development, and demonstration of alternative fusion concepts, to be administered through a Program Director for Alternative Fusion Research, including research and development needed to build and test an Induction Linac Systems Experiment, and for systems engineering and design of a prototype inertial fusion energy power plant suitable for the eventual development of a heavy ion based commercial power plant, for the purpose of developing heavy ion inertial fusion energy.” (3) “Participation in the design, construction, and operation of ITER with the goal of ITER becoming operational by the year 2005.”

SECTION 204, Independent Review of Fusion Technologies, states that the National Academy of Sciences should conduct a study on current fusion technologies and concepts. This study should also evaluate the commercial viability of these technologies, including the cost, research requirements, and time scale. Facilities proposed by DOE should be evaluated.

SECTION 205, National Academy of Sciences Study, states that a report should be prepared to “examine the status and promise of other energy sources, including deuterated metal....”

SECTION 206, ITER Site Selection Process, requires DOE to submit a report “which compares the technical and scientific advantages and disadvantages and the economic costs and benefits to the U.S. of siting ITER in the U.S. with siting ITER outside of the U.S.” Employment and other factors are to be considered. An agreement with other ITER participants requiring the selection of a host country by October 1995 is specified, which would include an equitable distribution of economic and technological benefits among the participants. U.S. industry is to be involved at all stages. Site-specific designs are to be completed by 1998. DOE is directed to identify a U.S. site by June 1996 if the U.S. is selected as the host country. Also required: “a detailed estimate of the final projected total cost and cost to the U.S. of the construction and operation of ITER based on final site-specific engineering and construction designs.”

SECTION 207, Reports and Miscellaneous Provisions, requires a report by DOE on the feasibility of modifying the Tokamak Physics Experiment and its construction schedule in the event an ITER agreement is not reached. In addition, a report shall be prepared on inertial confinement fusion research.

SECTION 208, Authorization of Appropriations, sets authorization levels for magnetic fusion research for fiscal years 1995, 1996, and 1997. Authorization levels for alternative fusion research are also specified. A $700,000,000 authorization ceiling is set for fiscal years 1995 through 2000 “to complete the design, development, and construction of the Tokamak Physics Experiment,” which can only be provided when DOE meets certain conditions. The bill includes the following prohibitions: “No funds are authorized for the construction of ITER,” and “No funds are authorized for the design, engineering, or construction of any magnetic fusion facility other than ITER, facilities related to ITER, and the Tokamak Physics Experiment.” It is not known what further action may be taken by Congress this year on this legislation.