Researchers have achieved a significant milestone in the pursuit of unlimited clean energy by harnessing nuclear fusion reactions, which are responsible for powering the Sun and stars. A groundbreaking record has been set, surpassing previous achievements and generating an unprecedented amount of power through this innovative technology.
The Culham Centre for Fusion Energy near Oxford, England
Successfully harnessed fusion energy using the Joint European Torus (JET), a formidable fusion machine. Through JET’s final deuterium-tritium experiments, an impressive fusion power was generated for five seconds, setting a remarkable milestone by achieving a groundbreaking record of 69 megajoules. Astonishingly, this remarkable feat was accomplished using a mere 0.2 milligrams of fuel, which is equivalent to the energy produced by approximately 15 kilograms of TNT.
Nuclear fusion
It is the phenomenon in which the nuclei of two light atoms merge to create a heavier nucleus, resulting in a significant release of energy. However, achieving this process is not a simple task. The atomic nuclei possess a strong repulsive force towards each other, making it challenging to bring them together. Hence, the sun utilizes extremely high temperatures of approximately ten million degrees Celsius to force these nuclei to collide, surpassing their mutual repulsion.
However, when two nuclei approach each other closely, the attractive nuclear force between them will surpass the electrical repulsion, enabling fusion to occur. This phenomenon is contingent upon the nuclei being confined to a limited area, which enhances the likelihood of collision. The sun achieves this by exerting immense gravitational pressure, which creates an environment of extreme compression. Nuclear fusion has produced more energy than ever before in an experiment, bringing the world a step closer to the dream of limitless, clean power. The new world record has been set at the UK-based JET laboratory. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers stars.
JET is classified as a tokamak
Which is a device that employs strong magnetic fields to confine plasma into a toroidal shape resembling a donut. The majority of scientists aiming to achieve commercial fusion energy utilize two hydrogen isotopes, namely deuterium and tritium. The fusion reaction between deuterium and tritium results in the formation of a helium atom along with a substantial release of energy.
In a press statement, Andrew Bowie, the UK Minister for Nuclear and Networks, expressed that JET’s final fusion experiment serves as a fitting conclusion to the project’s groundbreaking work since 1983. The international team of scientists and engineers in Oxfordshire has brought us closer than ever to achieving fusion energy. According to The Guardian, Bowie referred to this as a final swansong as the JET facility concluded its scientific work in December. The facility will now undergo a meticulous and well-documented decommissioning process over the next 17 years, providing valuable insights for future engineers on the construction and dismantling of fusion reactors.
According to Aneeqa Khan, a research fellow in fusion energy at the University of Manchester, fusion energy has the potential to play a crucial role in our battle against climate change. However, there is a significant obstacle to overcome. By the time fusion energy becomes a viable source of energy, it may be too late to effectively utilize it as a primary tool in combating climate change.
Khan acknowledges that while this scientific breakthrough is remarkable, there are still numerous engineering and materials challenges to address before a fusion power plant can be constructed. Despite these obstacles, investment in fusion energy is increasing, and tangible progress is being made. Khan emphasizes the importance of training a large number of individuals with the necessary skills to work in this field, expressing hope that fusion technology will be utilized in the latter half of this century.