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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. | 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. | ||
See [[:Wikipedia:Nuclear_fusion|Wikipedia: Nuclear fusion]]. | |||
== | == Energy options for the future == | ||
There exist a wide consensus that the current methods for energy production are unsatisfactory in the long term, due to contamination, the greenhouse effect, diminishing resources, etc. | |||
In order to decide what energy generation methods should be used, the pros and contras of each method should be considered carefully. | |||
<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_development Energy development]</ref> | <ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_development Energy development]</ref> | ||
Thus, 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<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]</ref><ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11462 Climate change: A guide for the perplexed]</ref> | * The importance of climate change and the impact of the burning of fossil fuels<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]</ref><ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11462 Climate change: A guide for the perplexed]</ref> | ||
* Quantitative estimates of the energy generation potential of each of the available energy options | * Quantitative estimates of the energy generation potential of each of the available energy options | ||
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For some of them, the future evolution can be predicted with some confidence, | For some of them, the future evolution can be predicted with some confidence, | ||
but for others the predictions are hotly debated. | but for others the predictions are hotly debated. | ||
In any case, the choice for any specific energy generation options should not be considered in isolation from other global issues, such as the exhaustion of natural resources, poverty, and overpopulation, but rather as an element in the general framework of sustainable development, since all these issues must be addressed to guarantee the establishment of a stable and livable society. | In any case, the choice for any specific energy generation options should not be considered in isolation from other global issues, such as the exhaustion of natural resources, poverty, and overpopulation, but rather as an element in the general framework of sustainable development, since all these issues must be addressed to guarantee the establishment of a stable and livable society. | ||
In particular, it is important to be aware that any technological solution to the energy problem (as well as to, e.g., agricultural production levels) will only mean temporary relief if population growth is not controlled. | In particular, it is important to be aware that any technological solution to the energy problem (as well as to, e.g., agricultural production levels) will only mean temporary relief if population growth is not controlled. | ||
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Whatever the case may be, energy generation in the near future will most likely be based on a mix of many options, that will vary in accord with local economic, environmental, and social conditions. | Whatever the case may be, energy generation in the near future will most likely be based on a mix of many options, that will vary in accord with local economic, environmental, and social conditions. | ||
== Fusion as an energy option == | |||
Fusion undoubtedly offers some important advantages. Once operative, energy supply would be virtually limitless; greenhouse gas exhaust would be zero; nuclear waste would be reduced (with respect to fission), and nuclear proliferation problems would be small or inexistant. On the other hand, there are complications due to the very complex technology required and the radioactive activation of the reactor vessel components. | |||
As compared to other energy options, fusion has an additional complication due to the fact that its implementation is not immediate, and that its eventual implementation is subject to the solution of a number of technical problems. The current consensus it that while the technical challenges are formidable, they can be overcome. Thus, the main discussion regarding fusion as an energy option is not about its technical feasibility, but about the timescales for implementation. | |||
<ref>[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2005.08.015 C. LLewellyn Smith, Fusion Engineering and Design '''74''', Issues 1-4 (2005) 3-8]</ref> | <ref>[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2005.08.015 C. LLewellyn Smith, Fusion Engineering and Design '''74''', Issues 1-4 (2005) 3-8]</ref> | ||
While increased investment and improved focus of the current research efforts can certainly help to speed up progress, even under optimal conditions the time needed to achieve the first delivery of fusion-produced energy to the electricity grid is considerable, and it is unlikely that fusion can contribute to solving the short-term energy crisis (in the coming decades). Fusion must therefore be considered an energy option for the medium to long term. | While increased investment and improved focus of the current research efforts can certainly help to speed up progress, even under optimal conditions the time needed to achieve the first delivery of fusion-produced energy to the electricity grid is considerable, and it is unlikely that fusion can contribute to solving the short-term energy crisis (in the coming decades). Fusion must therefore be considered an energy option for the medium to long term. | ||