A discussion of the issues facing both magnetic and inertial fusion schemesfor the generation of energy is presented. For magnetic fusion, theconventional tokamak device appears likely to `work', i.e. it will convertwall plug power into plasma temperature and reasonable energy gain will beobtained. However, it is viewed by many as unacceptable as a commercial reactorcandidate - i.e. it is too expensive and too complex. Arguing that within a givenconcept (but not between concepts) compactness is advantageous, a steady-stateenergy balance model is used to illustrate how to reduce size. Inertial fusionoffers potential advantages over its magnetic counterpart, but while physicsprogress has been maintained, hot-spot ignition and propagating burn remain tobe demonstrated in the laboratory. The proposed solutions to inertial fusiontechnology challenges, mostly very different from those involved in magneticfusion, also require demonstrating.
Possible energy gain for a plasma-liner-driven magneto-inertial fusion concept