Economics, Environmental, and Safety Issues

Abstract

The economics of fusion power is addressed by looking at various financing models which have emerged for existing nuclear power plants (NPPs) now on the grid, with emphasis on the progression from early, strongly government-supported finance models to corporate balance-sheet funding. The concepts of debt and equity funding are studied from the payback schedule and the net present value (NPV) concept, i.e., “the cost of money,” tied in with the internal rate of return (IRR). Some novel approaches such as the Finnish Mankala model and the French Exeltium model are studied from the perspective of future fusion reactor financing. Modified government support in the form of Export credit agencies (ECAs) and loan guarantees is also discussed. The licensing process for NPPs is discussed, and what the key points for licensing a fusion NPP will be. Environmental impacts of fusion NPPs are seen from tritium dose calculations for routine release, with a discussion of prevailing winds. Accident scenarios are discussed from the standpoint of a design basis accident, and the strengths and weaknesses of fault tree analysis are examined. Plume models for release of activated wall materials are shown. Finally, some simple design recommendations for the safe operation of fusion NPPs are given.