Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§9302 Definitions

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

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines key terms used in the chapter. Fusion — when two light atomic nuclei (for example, deuterium and tritium) collide, change into different particles, 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 to test components. Demonstration plant — a prototype energy system big enough to prove safety, environmental reliability, availability, and that parts can be scaled to commercial size, but not required to be economically 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

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102