Nuclear fusion, the process of squeezing smaller particles together to create larger atoms and generate energy, has long been seen as a potential solution to the world’s energy needs. Unlike nuclear fission, which involves smashing atoms apart and creates radioactive waste, fusion holds the promise of producing vast amounts of clean energy. However, controlling and containing a fusion reaction has been a major challenge for scientists and engineers.
Recently, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California made significant progress in fusion power. In December 2022, they achieved a net gain in energy from a fusion reaction for the first time ever. Their National Ignition Facility used lasers to create the conditions necessary for fusion to occur, and the reactor produced more energy than was put in. This achievement was a glimmer of hope for the viability of fusion reactors.
Now, the lab has reportedly achieved a second ignition, surpassing break-even with the reactor producing even more energy. However, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome before fusion power becomes a reality. The lasers used in the process are inefficient, consuming more power than the entire US national grid. Additionally, the current reactor can only operate for a few billionths of a second before requiring hours of cooling. And even if these issues are resolved, fusion would still only break even in terms of energy production.
Despite these challenges, there is cause for optimism. The recent advancements in controlling and extracting more energy from fusion reactions demonstrate that the science is sound. The focus now shifts to engineering solutions to improve efficiency and make fusion power commercially viable. However, it is important to note that a working fusion reactor is still many years away, and we cannot solely rely on this technology to solve the climate change crisis. Renewable energy sources will continue to play a crucial role in the short and medium term.
