Feb 11, 2022
Nuclear fusion could be the energy source of the future. We’ve heard that for decades, of course. But scientists say it could be for real this time. They point to a recent breakthrough. It could turn nuclear fusion into a clean and nearly limitless source of climate-friendly energy.
The Joint European Torus (JET) research project in December released 11 megawatts of power from a fusion reactor. That's enough to boil 60 pots of water for 5 seconds.
Ian Chapman is chief executive of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. He called the project a major advance in science. Fusion, he said, could help slow climate change.
But it could take years to develop power plants for nuclear fusion. That’s so they could withstand the high temperatures produced by nuclear fusion reactors.
Scientists call the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) an important next step. It's set to be finished in 2025. It will be the world’s largest fusion reactor.
Nuclear fusion makes energy by joining smaller atoms together to form a larger one. It is the opposite of nuclear fission. That releases energy by splitting atoms.
Nuclear fusion is experimental. But 438 fission reactors operate around the world. 93 are in the US. Fission reactors, though, carry risks of radiation accidents. They can leave entire regions unlivable for many years. Nuclear fusion doesn't carry that risk.
Photo from Reuters.
Nuclear Power Generation
This interactive map and chart provide students with an opportunity to explore where and how much nuclear energy is being produced around the world.
Share of Electricity Production from Nuclear
This resource includes an interactive map and graphs that show the share of electricity from nuclear for countries around the world since 1985.
The Share of Nuclear and Renewables in Total Electricity Production
This resource includes an interactive line chart that compares the ratio of nuclear sources and renewable sources in total electricity production.