Nuclear Fusion

[Hopkirk]

When I was at school, I was taught about the possibility of nuclear fusion being used to generate energy, rather than nuclear fission. It apparently had great potential and benefits.

Now I'm in my sixties I hear they are still working on it.

Will it ever happen?

[douglas9401]

There's an article on the BBC website this morning about this very thing, Hopkirk.

[emmie]

seems a possibility

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57232644

[Hopkirk]

Yes, that's what triggered my question. However they sounded just as hopeful in the 1970s.

I doubt it will ever be actually in service.

[emmie]

that was 50 years ago, these things have moved on presumably.

[Hopkirk]

I think it's one of those things that will always be just about to happen.

I hope they do get there, it could be part of the answer to climate change.

[ToraToraTora]

It's not easy to do Hoppy, it may never happen but the reward is worth the pursuit.

[woofgang]

There's a Terry Pratchett quote that I can't find that says that there are things that can be done once before the Universe notices and puts a stop to it. This explains stuff like nuclear fusion energy.

[ToraToraTora]

woofgang: "There's a Terry Pratchett quote that I can't find that says that there are things that can be done once before the Universe notices and puts a stop to it. This explains stuff like nuclear fusion energy." - yeah right oh! there is more than one star you know!

[ToraToraTora]

nuclear fusion has been achieved thousands of times, using a variety of methods. How does Mr Pratchett explain that?

[The Builder]

There's been a standing joke in the science world for decades, Hoppers.
When asked "when will fusion be commercially viable?"

The answer is "twenty years".
The answer is always twenty years. ;o)

[Hopkirk]

I won't see it in my lifetime then.