A Community Plan for Fusion Energy and Discovery Plasma Sciences

TL;DR

This report outlines a comprehensive strategic plan to advance fusion energy and plasma science, aiming to guide research priorities and foster collaborations for long-term scientific and energy development.

Contribution

It presents the first phase of a long-range strategic planning process for the DOE Fusion Energy Sciences program, integrating scientific foundation and broader plasma science goals.

Findings

Identifies research priorities for fusion energy development

Proposes partnerships with industry and international agencies

Lays groundwork for a long-term strategic plan

Abstract

This document is the final report of the Community Planning Process (CPP) that describes a comprehensive plan to deliver fusion energy and to advance plasma science. The CPP was initiated by the executive committee of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics (APS DPP) to help the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) fulfill a charge from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a strategic plan for the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES). In this charge, dated Nov 30, 2018, DOE Deputy Director for Science Dr. Stephen Binkley requested that FESAC "undertake a new long range strategic planning activity for the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program. The strategic planning activity to encompass the entire FES research portfolio (namely, burning plasma science and discovery plasma science) should identify and prioritize the research required to advance both the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source, as well as the broader FES mission to steward plasma science." The CPP represents the first phase in developing a long range strategic plan for FES, and will serve as the basis for the second phase activity conducted by FESAC. It is worth noting that enacting the full scope of the recommendations in the strategic plan in this document will require suitable partnerships with other offices and governmental agencies, as well as with private industry and international partners.