Introduction

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold the Third IAEA DEMO Programme Workshop (DPW-3) from 11-15 May 2015 in Hefei, China. The Workshop will be hosted by the Government of China through the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP). Previous workshops in the series were held in Vienna (2013) and Los Angeles (2012).

Background

With the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the worldwide magnetic fusion programme has begun a transition from a fusion science activity to one aimed at producing fusion energy on an industrial, power plant scale. This is driving an increased emphasis on a fusion technology programme which, along with ITER and accompanying research, will bring fusion as a power source within our reach. While internationally there is no agreement on a single roadmap to fusion, the science and technology issues to be resolved for fusion power to become a reality are broadly agreed. Resolving these issues and understanding the options for next-step fusion nuclear facilities are of common interest, even if the emphases and priorities vary from nation to nation. Thus there is substantial scope to add value to the programme by international cooperation. Against this backdrop, the IAEA has established a series of annual Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO) Programme Workshops to facilitate international collaboration on defining and coordinating DEMO programme activities.

Objectives

The objective of this workshop in the IAEA series, is to discuss a subset of key DEMO scientific and technical issues with the aim of defining the facilities and program activities that can lead to their resolution. The workshop output, to be documented in summary presentations and (tentatively) a journal publication, will be information that could be used by any party as input to the planning of possible roadmaps to DEMO. Opportunities to make greater progress through international collaboration will be identified, ideally leading to coordination or joint work where beneficial. To promote continuity in the workshop series, participants will propose the set of topics for the next workshop(s) in the series, considering the status, expected progress, and need for international discussion among the various DEMO issues.

Topics

The workshop will cover the following topics:

1. Contribution of Integrated Devices to Closing the Gaps

   The set of DEMO machines now being considered world-wide span an interesting range in technical readiness, risks, mission goals, and envisioned schedules. A comparison of these machines in terms of their contributions to closing fusion power plant readiness gaps beyond ITER, as well as their main design choices and associated pre- and co-requisite R&D programmes, can usefully inform DEMO programme planning by all parties. It may also highlight opportunities for collaboration or coordination of efforts internationally. The oral presentations on this topic will focus on the programmatic roles of ITER and the various DEMO machines in fusion development, i.e. what these machines and their accompanying programs will contribute to closing gaps in the scientific and technical basis for fusion power plants. Poster presentations describing design characteristics and other information about these DEMO machines will be both encouraged and welcomed.
   Topic Chair: H. Neilson, Co-chair : E. Surrey

2. In-Vessel Systems and Engineering

   This session will focus on the influence of critical in-vessel systems (including their support structures and services), i.e., the blankets, first wall, divertor, heating and current drive components and their enduring attributes on the overall plant configuration. Topics of interest in this session include but are not limited to: model based systems engineering, standards and licensing considerations in materials development; reliability, availability, maintainability, and inspectability (RAMI) considerations in design and technological exploitation; impact of safety on design; and compatibility with available electricity-generation technologies. System integration will be discussed as the overarching theme highlighting the relational aspects and importance on competing requirements. Poster presentations reporting integrated design effort and R&D plan of in-vessel systems and components will be encouraged and welcomed.
   Topic Chair: C. Waldon, Co-chair: T. Muroga

3. ITER-TBM and Blanket Programs toward DEMO

   Under the ITER Test Blanket Module (TBM) program, the international community will construct a set of fusion breeding blankets and install and test them on a DT-burning fusion machine for the first time. This session will consider the loads and operating conditions for a DEMO blanket and first wall and the role that ITER TBM as well as the various national programs and test facilities should play in order to provide a better understanding and for the development of solutions. Opportunities for increased international collaboration in resolving these issues, beyond the ITER TBM program, will be discussed. Poster presentations describing design characteristics and other information about the different DEMO blankets, TBMs and other related topics will be both encouraged and welcomed.
   Topic Chair: A. Ibarra, Co-chair: R. Kurtz

   The term “DEMO” as used here refers to a class of fusion facilities generally characterized by steady-state or long-pulse DT burning plasmas, reactor-relevant neutron wall loads, tritium breeding, and in some (but not all cases), electricity generation.

4. Special topics
   • Updates on national roadmap plans, i.e. focusing on significant progress or changes since the last workshop.
   • Proliferation issues in connection with magnetic fusion power plants.
   • Fusion safety: case studies.

EXPENDITURES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The costs for the organization of the workshop are borne by the IAEA. No registration fee will be charged to participants.
As a general rule, the IAEA does not pay travel and accommodation expenses for workshop participants. However, limited funds are available to help meet the cost of attendance of a few selected specialists, primarily those from developing countries with low economic resources.

VISAS

Participants who require a visa to enter China should submit the necessary application as soon as possible. A letter of invitation, if needed, should be requested from the local organizers by emailing Prof. Xiang Gao.