Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§9302 Definitions

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 101— - MAGNETIC FUSION ENERGY ENGINEERING › § 9302

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines key words used in the chapter. Fusion: when two light atomic nuclei (for example deuterium and tritium) smash together and release energy. Magnetic fusion: using magnetic fields to hold a very hot, fully ionized gas so fusion can happen. Energy system: a facility that uses magnetic fusion to make electricity or hydrogen and other fuels. Fusion engineering device: a magnetic fusion facility that reaches at least a burning plasma and tests engineering parts. Demonstration plant: a prototype energy system big enough to show safety, environmental performance, reliability, and that parts can scale to commercial size, even if not yet cost‑competitive. Secretary: the Secretary of Energy.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §9302

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

For the purposes of this chapter—

(1)“fusion” means a process whereby two light nuclei, such as deuterium and tritium, collide at high velocity, forming a compound nucleus, which subsequently separates into constituents which are different from the original colliding nuclei, and which carry away the accompanying energy release;

(2)“magnetic fusion” means the use of magnetic fields to confine a very hot, fully ionized gas of light nuclei, so that the fusion process can occur;

(3)“energy system” means a facility designed to utilize energy released in the magnetic fusion process for the generation of electricity and the production of hydrogen or other fuels;

(4)“fusion engineering device” means a magnetic fusion facility which achieves at least a burning plasma and serves to test components for engineering purposes;

(5)“demonstration plant” means a prototype energy system which is of sufficient size to provide safety, environmental reliability, availability, and ready engineering extrapolation of all components to commercial size but which system need not be economically competitive with then alternative energy sources; and

(6)“Secretary” means Secretary of Energy.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 9302

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73