A Major Milestone Achieved: Harnessing Star Power Here on Earth

has been dreaming of for over 50 years: the first proof that star power can be harnessed here on Earth. Scientists at the National Ignition Facility have achieved a major milestone in the quest for carbon-free energy from fusion by firing 2.05 megajoules of energy into a millimetre-sized capsule of hydrogen fuel and releasing 3.15 megajoules of fusion energy, 1.1 megajoules more than was put in, with a wave of nuclear reactions. This is the first scientific proof that fusion can produce more energy out than is put in and has great potential to provide clean and plentiful energy for everyone on the planet for thousands, possibly millions, of years without creating long-lived radioactive waste or risk of meltdowns.

The Benefits of Fusion Energy

Fusion energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate power. It is a carbon-free energy source that produces no greenhouse gases, and it can provide an abundant and reliable source of energy. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, fusion could potentially meet up to 10% of global electricity needs by 2050. Additionally, fusion power plants would have a lifespan of up to 60 years, compared to the average 15-20 year lifespan of traditional fossil fuel plants. Furthermore, fusion reactors are much safer than traditional nuclear reactors as they do not require enriched uranium or plutonium, which can be used for weapons production. Finally, fusion reactors produce very little waste compared to other sources of energy; most of the waste produced is short-lived and can be recycled or disposed of safely.
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Picture source: Tommy Krombacher