scipaAre we ready for fusion?
February 11th 2008 05:16
Fusion power is a method of drawing energy by fusing two smaller nuclei into one heavier nucleus.
Nuclear power, as we know it, relies on fission, which goes in the opposite direction, splitting a huge nucleus into smaller pieces... this requires the use of weird, oddly named isotopes and produced nasty byproducts.
Fusion, on the other hand, is akin to the Holy Grail of nuclear energy... by combining two forms of hydrogen, we can make helium, an inert gas, and a helluva lotta energy.
One of the problems with fusion is that, typically, it's enacted with the help of high power lasers, which use up more energy than is harnessed.
Nevertheless, the technology is advancing, and the industry is starting to take note... venture capitalists are putting money into fusion, trying to bring it to fruition.
The clever investors are predicting that the technology could be available in three to four years, and be cost competitive with coal:
Fusion solves a lot of problems, even with other competing green technologies... both wind and solar power are imperfect solutions, whereas fusion, if refined, can provide the high power generation necessary for urban utilities.
Let's just hope it works out...
Nuclear power, as we know it, relies on fission, which goes in the opposite direction, splitting a huge nucleus into smaller pieces... this requires the use of weird, oddly named isotopes and produced nasty byproducts.
Fusion, on the other hand, is akin to the Holy Grail of nuclear energy... by combining two forms of hydrogen, we can make helium, an inert gas, and a helluva lotta energy.
One of the problems with fusion is that, typically, it's enacted with the help of high power lasers, which use up more energy than is harnessed.
Nevertheless, the technology is advancing, and the industry is starting to take note... venture capitalists are putting money into fusion, trying to bring it to fruition.
The clever investors are predicting that the technology could be available in three to four years, and be cost competitive with coal:
"Chrysalix's optimism is pinned on an angel investment the company made in General Fusion, a Canadian company that says it has found a way to hurdle many of the technical problems surrounding fusion. The company's ultimate plan is to build small fusion reactors that can produce around 100 megawatts of power. The plants would cost around $50 million. That could allow the company to generate electricity at about 4 cents per kilowatt hour, making it competitive with conventional electricity."
Fusion solves a lot of problems, even with other competing green technologies... both wind and solar power are imperfect solutions, whereas fusion, if refined, can provide the high power generation necessary for urban utilities.
Let's just hope it works out...
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