One step closer to energy progress that can save humanity
JT-60SA is the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor. National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Japan / independent.co.uk
You’ll be surprised, but at least a billion people may die in 100 years, which is one million per year, without taking into account other factors. Yes, global warming, which we are scared of now, can really lead to numerous victims on the planet.
Global greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere continue to rise as fossil fuel combustion increases and beyond.
It has now been established that anthropogenic global climate destabilization is occurring and has potentially irreversible negative consequences for the global environment and human well-being. It sounds pretty threatening. Is there any solution?
THE ROLE OF THERMONUCLEAR FUSION
Recently, the topic of fusion has become an important scientific debate. This is a process similar to the reactions that take place in the Sun. Although such research has been ongoing since the 1950s, recent advances in this area may cause unpredictable changes around the world, making fusion a topic of particular importance to humanity.
The rapid interest in the technical realization of this type of energy generation has increased significantly due to the growth of greenhouse emissions and the need to achieve carbon neutrality, which is critical for survival. The relevance of this is confirmed by the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Israel, Australia, the US, Japan, and China.
The main problem is the technical realization of achieving the required performance criteria and efficiency. The main task is to get more energy from fusion than to spend. Interestingly, the first successful experiment worth $3.5 billion was conducted by American scientists at the end of 2022. Thus, they managed to overcome the most critical obstacle in working on a technology that could theoretically provide humanity with an almost inexhaustible source of energy.
Another important event took place at the end of last year. Japan opened the world’s largest experimental fusion reactor, the JT-60SA, which is considered the «holy grail» of clean energy. This is a joint project of the European Union and Japan, which aims to explore the possibility of creating a next-generation energy source.
This research will help to complete the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), which should demonstrate the commercial benefits of fusion energy production.
HOW THE NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN AFFECT CLIMATE PROTECTION
One of the critical advantages of fusion is its ability to generate huge amounts of electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. This vital characteristic makes it one of the most environmentally friendly forms of energy production in the world.
In turn, this is a response to the current global challenges of combating climate change and preserving the environment and will set new standards for sustainable development.
Over the coming decades, new opportunities may open up to ensure a stable energy and, most importantly, a «clean» future on the planet. At the same time, the limitations associated with dependence on fossil resources, such as coal, oil, and gas, which are considered to be the primary air pollutants, will disappear.
CAN THE NEW TECHNOLOGY BE CONSIDERED AN ABSOLUTE SOLUTION TO THE GLOBAL WARMING PROBLEM?
Fusion is not only a source of clean energy. It is a key driver of scientific progress. Nuclear physics and engineering research related to its development creates new opportunities for scientists and engineers. Its successful implementation not only develops the energy sector but also contributes to general scientific progress, which can have far-reaching consequences in various fields of science and technology.
Access to efficient and reliable energy sources is critical to economic growth. Industrial and technological processes require energy, and countries with a reliable and efficient energy infrastructure will be able to grow faster.
Most industries, such as manufacturing, chemicals, transportation, and others, require significant amounts of energy. An efficient energy infrastructure will help increase the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. However, along with its undeniable advantages, fusion has its challenges and ethical aspects, including safety and military use. This requires serious discussion and regulation.
The recent actions of the Russian occupiers at Zaporizhzhia NPP indicate that the energy facility may be seized and used by terrorists for blackmail or other purposes. If the Russians intentionally or unintentionally blow up the Zaporizhzhya NPP, the consequences will be more terrible than the nuclear bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
The civilized world does not yet have an adequate response to this. Therefore, to use this new type of energy, it will instead be necessary to develop new principles of energy security.
All these factors make fusion not just an innovative technology but also a key element of our joint movement towards a sustainable and modern energy future. How we meet the energy needs of the planet in the future may determine our survival.
