TRITIUM IN NUCLEAR FUSION SYSTEMS

Tritium, the radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is of main interest in the research and development of fusion technology. In order to establish fusion as an energy source, tritium safety and availability must be achieved. In effect, tritium constitutes a hazard, even in low quantities, and must be handled limiting the releases to the environment. Tritium will be burn in large quantities in the event of nuclear fusion power plants, and being practically non-existent in nature, must be produced by the reactor itself. After a description of tritium radiological characteristics and hazard, the tritium breeding issue is presented, focusing particularly on the most recent European breeding blanket designs.