The latest nuclear fusion enthusiasm

I have written about nuclear fusion as an energy source before:

Periodically, however, there are news stories about supposed breakthroughs in fusion technology with the potential to be rapidly and affordably deployed, potentially curbing climate change.

I have seen enough of these stories in my life to be pretty skeptical, but this can be a thread for keeping track of and discussing them.

Here’s the latest: Lockheed says makes breakthrough on fusion energy project

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.

9 thoughts on “The latest nuclear fusion enthusiasm”

  2. Lockheed Martin Says It’s a Decade Away From Compact Nuclear Fusion. Here’s Why You Should Be Skeptical.

    The giant defense contractor promises smaller, more efficient reactors. But experts are cautious about getting too excited.

    …

    Mahajan called Lockheed’s announcement “poppycock.” He said, “Getting net energy from fusion is such a goddamn difficult undertaking,” he said. “We’re all aware that there’s always a finite chance of some breakthrough which is beyond the powers of imagination.” But if there was a genuine breakthrough, he said, “we’d be screaming from the treetops.”

  4. Thank you for providing this information about a potential technology that could help curb climate change.

    Do you think Western governments are doing enough to encourage a potential breakthrough in nuclear fusion?

  5. I think talk of a near-term breakthrough is nonsense, and evidence of how easy it is to get the media to buy into a story with little evidence to back it up.

    That being said, more should be invested in the multi-decadal program of getting projects like ITER to work.

  8. If your machine isn’t throwing neutrons, it’s not achieving fusion. Relatively straightforward test.

  9. US scientists introduce new fusion reactor concept

    Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) DIII-D National Fusion Facility have released a new concept for a compact fusion reactor design they say can help define the technology necessary for commercial fusion power. The Compact Advanced Tokamak (CAT) concept enables a higher-performance, self-sustaining configuration that holds energy more efficiently, allowing it to be built at a reduced scale and cost.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *