The Role of Fusion Hybrids for Fissile Fuel Production in Future Power Generation Systems

The use of the fusion hybrid to supply fissile fuel for conventional light water client reactors beginning at the turn of the century is discussed. Utility needs for the hybrid are formulated by generation expansion analyses while the ability of various hybrid concepts to meet these needs are forecast based on computer models of hybrid cost and performance characteristics. It is concluded that the fusion hybrid is an economically attractive option which has the potential to establish a ceiling on nuclear fuel price increases in the first or second decade of the twenty-first century.