[Paper Review] A Community Plan for Fusion Energy and Discovery Plasma Sciences

Scott Baalrud, N.M. Ferraro+5 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Nov 9, 2020

Radioactive contamination and transfer2 references32 citations

TL;DR

A final report from the APS Division of Plasma Physics Community Planning Process outlining a strategic plan to advance fusion energy and discovery plasma science under DOE FES, highlighting collaboration and long-range planning needs.

ABSTRACT

This document is the final report of the Community Planning Process (CPP) that describes a comprehensive plan to deliver fusion energy and to advance plasma science. The CPP was initiated by the executive committee of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics (APS DPP) to help the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) fulfill a charge from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a strategic plan for the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES). In this charge, dated Nov 30, 2018, DOE Deputy Director for Science Dr. Stephen Binkley requested that FESAC "undertake a new long range strategic planning activity for the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program. The strategic planning activity to encompass the entire FES research portfolio (namely, burning plasma science and discovery plasma science) should identify and prioritize the research required to advance both the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source, as well as the broader FES mission to steward plasma science." The CPP represents the first phase in developing a long range strategic plan for FES, and will serve as the basis for the second phase activity conducted by FESAC. It is worth noting that enacting the full scope of the recommendations in the strategic plan in this document will require suitable partnerships with other offices and governmental agencies, as well as with private industry and international partners.

Motivation & Objective

• Describe the motivations and context for a long-range strategic plan for Fusion Energy Sciences (FES).
• Outline the Community Planning Process (CPP) as the first phase in developing the plan.
• Identify scientific priorities and research needs to advance both fusion energy and discovery plasma science.
• Highlight required partnerships with other offices, government agencies, industry, and international partners.

Proposed method

• Summarize the CPP initiation by the APS DPP executive committee and its charge from DOE to develop a strategic plan.
• Articulate the scope of the plan to cover burning plasma science and discovery plasma science.
• Present the CPP as the foundation for the second phase activity by FESAC.
• Discuss the collaborations and partnerships necessary to enact the recommendations.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What research priorities are required to advance fusion energy science and discovery plasma science?
• RQ2 How should DOE and partner organizations coordinate to implement a long-range strategic plan for FES?
• RQ3 What partnerships are necessary to realize the full scope of the CPP recommendations?

Key findings

• The CPP represents the first phase in developing a long-range strategic plan for FES.
• The plan emphasizes advancing both the scientific foundation for fusion energy and the broader plasma science mission.
• Implementation will require partnerships across governmental offices, private industry, and international partners.
• The document serves as the basis for subsequent FESAC activity.
• The plan acknowledges the need for cross-cutting initiatives and coordination beyond the DOE FES office.