Fusion-driven transmutations of nuclear waste—a misconception or an incentive for promotion of fusion energy?

A fusion-driven system of transmutation of nuclear waste is presented. The main positive aspect of this fusion power option, thanks to energy release from fission, is the prospect of a radical reduction of necessary plasma energy gain, Q, to levels achievable in relatively simple mirror devices. Further advantages of the system include lower FW load and homogeneous heating distribution. The proposed application of the concept is as a fuel self-sufficient symbiont reactor co-operating with a number of serviced LWRs, for the regeneration of the spent fuel with incineration of external Pu. The doubling of burnup, i.e. halving the high level waste from symbiotic LWRs can easily slow down its build-up without any mechanical or chemical intervention in the fuel. In conclusion, the present option might facilitate the development and then launching of fusion power reactors.