Considerably more energy, one might add – in the planned ITER experiment, Qα (1.5) is expected to reach a maximum value of 2 and a steady-state value of 1. How is it possible to achieve this extraordinary level of plasma energy confinement in a laboratory environment? The theoretical framework developed in the previous chapter provides a simple answer: by embedding the plasma in a strong ambient magnetic field, such that the thermal pressure, p, is supported by the magnetic pressure, B2/2µ0, see (2.198) and (2.247). Indeed, after no less than half a century of international research, the strategy of magnetic confinement appears to offer the most promising route to realizing the long-held dream of constructing a technologically feasible and commercially viable fusion reactor. Yet, it is not immediately obvious what such a reactor should look like, e.g. what is the optimal magnetic geometry? How strong does the ambient magnetic field have to be? Can this field be generated by the plasma itself or are external coils and/or antennas required? etc.