Table 1 Characteristics of different hydrogen-based nuclear reactions for energy production
Fuel reaction | Method | Reactor type | Power Range (thermal or electricity as indicated) | Efficiency (%) | Sustained over-break-even operation demonstrated | Commercial start |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T + D | Plasma | Magnetic or inertial confinement | GWel? | 18/4500 = 0.3% | –- | Much later than 2030? |
T + D | Muon induced fusion | Tube reactor | MWth | 18/4500 = 0.3% | – | 2023 |
D + D…T + D | Muon induced fusion | Tube or planar reactor | 15 kWth…MWth | 4/3600 = 0.1%…. | partial power 2015 | 2023 |
D + D | Annihilation | Planar reactor | 200kWth–MW | 10–50% estimated | partial power 2015 | 2023 est |
D + D | Plasma | Magnetic or inertial confinement | – | 4/3600 = 0.1… % | – | Never? |
p + D… D + D | Muon induced fusion | Tube reactor | < < 20 kWth? | 5.5/2700 = 0.2% | Never? | |
p + p | Annihilation | Planar reactor | 200kWth–MW | 10–50% est | 2021 | 2023 est |
p + p, D + D | Annihilation | mechanical | kWel–MWel | 10–50% est | 2030 est |