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Nuclear fusion: Difference between revisions
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Nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple like-charged atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy, which allows matter to enter a plasma state. | Nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple like-charged atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy, which allows matter to enter a plasma state. | ||
<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion Nuclear fusion in the Wikipedia]</ref> | |||
Nuclear fusion is considered an alternative energy option for the future. | Nuclear fusion is considered an alternative energy option for the future. | ||
As all other energy generation options, it has its pros and contras. | |||
Making a policy choice in favour of one or the other energy option requires defining one's stance on: | |||
* The importance of climate change and the impact of the burning of fossil fuels | |||
* Quantitative estimates of the energy generation potential of each of the available energy options | |||
* Estimates of global population growth and expectations regarding future energy demand | |||
* The relative importance of the environmental impact of each of the energy options | |||
* Social threats (e.g., nuclear proliferation) associated with each energy option | |||
* The social acceptability of each energy option | |||
* The relative economic cost of each of the energy options (including the complete energy generation trajectory, including environmental damage and clean-up) | |||
* Opportunities offered by the energy options, in terms of, e.g., employment | |||
Making the correct choice requires studying each of these complex issues and somehow balancing the risks and opportunities involved. | |||
For some of them, the future evolution can be predicted with some confidence, | |||
but for others the predictions are hotly debated. | |||
== | Most likely, energy generation in the future will be based on a mix of many options, that will vary in accord with local economic, environmental, and social conditions. | ||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||