Present status of fusion research: the next-step tokamak (ITER) and the demonstration reactor (DEMO)

In the search for new sources of energy, fusion offers gret possibilities for the future with virtually inexhaustible reserves and a negligible basic fuel cost. On the other hand, the conditions for the thermonuclear reactions are difficult and complex to implement because of the temperature of approximately 100 million degrees necessary to initiate nuclear combustion. In the paper the status of fusion research based on magnetic confinement and the European strategy for achievement of the ultimate goal of construction of a prototype electricity generating reactor are reviewed.