Safety and Environmental Characteristics of Recent D-³He and DT Tokamak Power Reactors

A comparison of the key features of the D-³He Apollo and the DT Aries fusion power reactor designs is made. The reduction in neutron production from the D-³He reaction has a major effect on the performance of Tokamak reactors. One of the biggest impacts is the low radiation damage rate in D-³He systems which allows a permanent first wall to be utilized.. The reduction in radioactivity in D-³He reactors has a particularly advantageous effect on the storage of wastes as well as on the safety to the public in the event of the worst conceivable accident. The more difficult D-³He physics requirements are offset by the technological advantages of using this fuel in place of the DT cycle.