National Program for the Development of Fusion Thermonuclear Energy

Abstract

The growing concern about climate change has encouraged the adoption of low-carbon energy sources. In this context, nuclear energy – especially thermonuclear fusion – has gained international prominence. Brazil, although it has a predominantly renewable electricity matrix, has a relevant history in fusion research since the 1970s, with the construction of tokamaks such as the TBR-1 and ETE, led by institutions IFUSP and INPE. In 1981, the establishment of the National Program for Plasma Physics and Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion (PNFPFTC) represented an institutional milestone, promoting the training of human resources, structuring of laboratories, and international collaboration. However, the discontinuation of research groups, such as that of UNICAMP, reveals the fragility of national science policy in the face of the absence of stable and structuring programs. The creation of the National Fusion Network (2006) and the proposal of the National Fusion Program in 2021 aim to resume and consolidate these efforts. Globally, major projects such as ITER in Europe, EAST in China, and KSTAR in South Korea demonstrate that nuclear fusion research is an example of Large-Scale Science or Big Science, requiring international consortia and significant investment. Brazil, despite not being part of the ITER consortium, signed a Cooperation Agreement with EURATOM in 2009, enabling exchanges and technological development. Thus, the role of scientists as articulators of research toward policy and society is highlighted.