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AGA: Arbeitsgruppe Physik und Abrüstung

AGA 8: Nuclear Prolfieration

AGA 8.2: Talk

Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:30–12:00, HS HISKP

Nonproliferation and Fusion Power — •Matthias Englert — Öko-INstitut e.V., Rheinstr. 95, 64295 Darmstadt

Fusion energy systems, while avoiding the use of fissile materials such as highly enriched uranium and plutonium, still pose certain proliferation risks. Key concerns include the diversion of tritium for military purposes, the production of weapon-grade plutonium using fusion neutrons, and the dual-use potential of laser/inertial confinement fusion facilities for nuclear weapons development. This talk examines these risks with a focus on material monitoring challenges, the technical feasibility of plutonium breeding in fusion reactors, and the role of advanced experimental and computational methods in circumventing nuclear test bans. Strategies for mitigating proliferation risks include the integration of safeguards-by-design in early-stage reactor concepts, international standardization of monitoring frameworks, and fostering dialogue between fusion research and nonproliferation communities. Given the increasing global interest in fusion energy, these measures are critical to ensuring that its development remains secure and aligned with peaceful objectives.

Keywords: fusion; proliferation; fissile material; safeguards; energy