A new look at non-proliferation for fusion energy
Fusion energy is moving from experimental research towards engineering demonstration, with the UK investing significantly in its development and private investment growing rapidly. As fusion technology matures, its applications could extend beyond electricity generation to areas including medical isotope production and hydrogen generation.
Fusion systems were not considered when the current international non-proliferation framework was developed. While elements of the framework, including export controls, cover some fusion-relevant materials and technologies, the overall suitability of the current framework for commercial-scale fusion has not yet been fully assessed.
Our paper identifies three areas that require particular attention:
- First, neutron sources are capable of producing weapon-usable material in significant quantities without automatically triggering safeguards obligations.
- Second, light isotopes (tritium, lithium, and deuterium), fall entirely outside existing IAEA safeguards despite their weapon relevance.
- Third, the co-location of these materials and technologies on a single site means a facility could bring together the capabilities to produce fissile material with the isotopes needed for a weapon, a scenario current safeguards do not address.
This paper puts forward a practical approach for addressing the non-proliferation considerations associated with fusion energy before commercial deployment. Acting now will allow the UK to develop a proportionate approach that supports the growth of the fusion sector while maintaining the effectiveness of the UK's non-proliferation commitments.
Author
Nour Hammoud - Postdoctoral Research Fellow,
Nour specialises in fusion energy policy, regulation and non鈥憄roliferation. She holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and has a background in experimental nuclear materials research. Her current work focuses on fusion governance, tritium management and safeguards interpretation.
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