A Step Closer to Fusion

Self-sustaining nuclear fusion may be one step closer to reality after scientists in the U.S. have, for the first time, created more fusion energy than that consumed by the fuel to drive the process. Nuclear fusion, the same process that the sun uses to create energy, could provide the world with much-needed cheap energy. Scientists estimate that one kilogram of fusion fuel can provide the same amount of energy as 10 million kilograms of fossil fuel.

Self-sustaining nuclear fusion may be one step closer to reality after scientists in the U.S. have, for the first time, created more fusion energy than fuel for the process consumed

WHAT IS NUCLEAR FUSION?

Fusion is the process that heats the Sun and all other stars.

It occurs when atomic nuclei collide together and release energy in the form of neutron.

Fusion scientists and engineers are developing the technology to use this process in tomorrow’s power stations

Scientists estimate that one kilogram of fusion fuel can provide the same amount of energy as 10 million kilograms of fossil fuel.

But up until now, the main problem has been that nuclear fusion experiments always required more energy than they were able to create.

According to the BBC, researchers at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Livermore in California have now been able to shift that balance.

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