There is already a major fusion project underway called ITER. Why build HiPER if ITER is already being built?
Fusion represents a very attractive energy source for the future in that the fuel supply is almost inexhaustible, there are no carbon emissions and only short lived radioactive isotopes are produced. Fusion is a ‘grand challenge’, tackling one of the most compelling problems facing mankind. As such, it is highly desirable to pursue a number of complementary solutions. ITER represents one route for producing fusion but it is sensible to investigate other options to ensure fusion technology can be fully developed to meet our long-term needs. Multiple routes exist for fossil fuel sources (oil, gas, coal, etc) and renewable sources (wind, wave, solar, etc). Similarly, we must plan for multiple routes for our long-term energy requirements. Inertial fusion offers some unique benefits – for example the potential to use advanced fuels (with little or no tritium). This greatly reduces the complexity of the process and further reduces the residual radioactivity. Inertial Fusion also allows for t
