Sophia Mecklai

Comparing Licensing for Fission and Fusion Power Reactors: Implications for Future Fusion Regulations

Started July 1, 2024

Abstract or project description

Nuclear fusion is the potential future for renewable energy sources as it produces nearly zero carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions. However, fusion is still an extremely new idea that lacks regulations. Before a power plant can be up and running there are many factors including licensing and regulations that have to be listed out and for nuclear fission reactors this can take over a decade. Regulations encompass the design process, construction, and operation of a power plant. There are a large number of requirements including licensing, safety oversight, and assessment of performance and enforcement. This project investigates whether fusion reactors should be regulated the same way as fission reactors. While fission and fusion both utilize nuclear reactions, they are highly varied in nature and therefore should not be held to the same licensing standards. Fusion plants would fall under the licensing category of particle accelerators and should therefore be regulated as such. These plants should be regulated under a hybrid system as it allows for the highest level of safety with the most flexibility. However, particle accelerator regulations cannot fully address all safety concerns with fusion reactors, resulting in the necessary utilization of some fission safety measures as well.