4. Conclusion

Civilian research into controlled thermonuclear fusion began in earnest in 1958, thanks to a cooperative effort that resulted in a declassification of knowledge and an openness that were quite unusual for the time. Since then, this cooperation, which has never wavered, has led to considerable progress: if we consider the value of the product n · τ · T, a factor of over 10 million has been gained since the beginning; not so long ago, megawatts and megajoules were produced!

Fusion research has now reached a critical stage. Our knowledge shows that a great deal of physical experience is needed, and that this experience must be accompanied by an equally great effort in technological development.

The period 1950-2050 will be the century of unprecedented consumption of natural energy resources; will it also be the period when a new, abundant and...