Nuclear Fusion Plants

Nuclear fusion has been considered the ‘ideal’ energy source for power plants. Not only does it produce clean energy, it produces a lot of energy like nuclear fission reactors. However, unlike nuclear fission, it is renewable. The only problem with nuclear fusion at this point is that the cost-to-energy ratio is not as efficient as other energy generation methods.

How does it work?

In simple terms, Nuclear fusion occurs when two light nuclei of atoms (usually hydrogen) combine to form a heavier particle (helium isotopes). Under normal circumstances, it is near-impossible to combine particles forcefully - because of repulsion between nuclei - which is why nuclear fusion happens at extreme temperatures in the plasma state of matter - hot charged gas with positive ions. Two light nuclei are fired at each other at high temperatures with the use of magnets and this collision causes a spike in thermal energy, energy that we can use.

Why is it worth achieving?

Engineers have been attempting to create a fusion reactor. If it is successfully developed to the point where it can be built at a large scale, then it is possible to have unlimited energy. It is important to note that nuclear fusion produces four times more energy per kilogram than nuclear fission while simultaneously overcoming the disadvantages of nuclear fission because its reactants are renewable and its products are easier to store. As years go by, nuclear fusion development has improved and can potentially be a feasible energy plant in the near future. An example of fusion reactors is Trenta from the company Helion.

Helion: Trenta

Helion is one of the leading companies in terms of nuclear fusion research. Their sixth prototype “Trenta” became the first type of fusion reactor to reach “commercially-relevant” fusion conditions. It uses magnetic fields to not only accelerate and trap gas particles into fusing but also to contain the million-degree-celsius plasma from touching the walls as it can damage it if there is any direct contact. This prototype serves as a stepping stone that shows us how feasible fusion technology can be to replace all energy sources.

In conclusion, nuclear fusion plants can and will definitely be the future of our energy supply. After solving the problem of developing fusion reactors for commercial use, these reactors will be flawless. And nuclear fusion plants can be implemented worldwide.