Non-Electric Applications of Fusion Energy – An Important Precursor to Commercial Electric Power

A significant departure from the traditional approach to large DT tokamak fusion power plants is suggested. The new approach recognizes that near-term commercial applications for fusion energy may be needed to sustain another 40–50 years of public and private funding. Such funding is necessary to reach the ultimate potential of fusion energy, the production of safe, clean and economic electrical energy. Possible near-term applications are discussed with a focus on the production of medical isotopes. The use of small devices that can burn advanced fusion fuels such as D³He appear to be quite advantageous to this stage of fusion research.