Potential for Achieving Tritium Self-Sufficiency

Tritium is the main fuel ingredient in the plasma of MFE and IFE systems based on the D-T fuel cycle. Since tritium is not a naturally existing isotope, attaining tritium selfsufficiency is necessary for self-sustaining fusion plants operating on the D-T fuel cycle. Tritium is bred in a lithium-containing blanket surrounding the plasma. Once tritium is generated, it needs to be collected, processed, and redirected to the plasma. The tritium fuel cycle involves many subsystems whose physical and operational characteristics will dictate the success in achieving tritium self-sufficiency.