Economic studies for heavy‐ion‐fusion electric power plants

We have conducted parametric economic studies for heavy‐ion‐fusion electric power plants. We examined the effects on the cost of electricity of several design parameters: cost and cost scaling for the reactor, driver, and target factory; maximum achievable chamber pulse rate; target gain; electric conversion efficiency; and net electric power. Using the most recent estimates for the heavy‐ion‐driver cost along with the Cascade reactor cost and efficiency, we found that a 1.5 to 3 GWe heavy‐ion‐fusion power plant, with a pulse rate of 5–10 Hz, can be competitive with nuclear and coal power plants.