Nuclear fusion R&D

In 50 years, nuclear fusion may be a major source of energy, but until then extensive research and development is needed. To justify the current and future R&D expenditure, a cost-benefit analysis designed specially for this sector is required. David Goldenberg and Jonathan Linton have come up with such an analysis

The major costs involved in developing nuclear fusion are R&D expenditures, and the major benefit is the present value of the cost savings relative to other energy sources. Other benefits include reducing environmental damage and world dependence on current depletable energy sources.

It is generally recognised that R&D expenditures are a fundamentally different sort of investment than investment in plant and equipment. The conceptual difference is that the latter involves actually putting a real