Nuclear Fusion: Energy for the Future?

The challenge

If we have the potential for unlimited, clean energy, then why wait? Unfortunately, all previous attempts to produce large amounts of energy from nuclear fusion have failed. Secret tests during the atomic bomb programme in the 1950s discovered fusion was possible, but the continuous nuclear fusion reactions required to generate substantial amounts of energy have remained elusive.

The most promising nuclear reaction to be used for fusion power involves deuterium and tritium, two isotopes of hydrogen.

Huge amounts of energy are required for nuclear fusion. Atomic nuclei are forced to fuse together, in contrast to fission where nuclei are split apart. In the sun, temperatures of 15 million degrees Celsius and immense pressures force hydrogen nuclei to fuse and produce helium, thus releasing energy. Hydrogen exists as plasma and nuclear fusion reactions occur continually. “The trick is to get a self-sustaining reaction,” says Dunne “It’s like setting off an explosive, you have a little bit of energy – a detonator – and this sets off a chain reaction.”

Energy production from nuclear fusion has proven an insurmountable challenge so far. Yet scientists are now saying that plans for larger and more sophisticated reactors around the world could finally make this possible in 50 years time. Is this more than just wishful thinking?