The hunt for alternate energy is ongoing in the efforts to combat climate change. Our excessive use of fossil fuels has led to some irreversible consequences in our earth and its climate so we’re seeking remedies.
The obvious solution is to stop using fossil fuels. However, that is easier said than done as we rely on fossil-fueled energy so much that it is impossible to cut it off. That is why we’re looking for alternate energy such as solar and wind-generated ones. While those are good for the environment, they take up a lot of space and land use could affect the people and environment negatively as well.
That is why alternatives such as nuclear power plants are being considered. However, as the consequences of those are unknown and uncontrollable due to the released radiation, we have stayed away. That all is about to change as a company in BC is attempting to make energy through nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusions produces no greenhouse gases so it is looking very promising at the moment.
What Is Nuclear Fusion?
You hear the word “nuclear” and automatically say no, but what if it could be the saviour of humanity? In B.C, Canada, Dr Michel Laberge found a company that is working on a machine that could create nuclear fusion at an effective cost.
Nuclear fusion is when two hydrogen atoms are fused together to create energy. This process, however, is not easy as it requires maximum speed to push the atoms together. It also requires heat equivalent to 150 millions degrees Celsius.
The approach the General Fusion takes is by using the Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) system. This is a system that uses a sphere filled with liquid metal that spins into a vortex. Confined plasma with the hydrogen atoms is then released into the sphere by being pushed by pistons. These pistons compress the plasma to drive it to the center of the sphere. The process is repeated and the plasma is fused in the heat to create electricity!
For more information about the process and its inception, take a look at Dr Michel Laberge’s Ted Talk for how his beginnings and a little more on the company.
Also, check out this intro video made by General Fusion for a visual of the process:
So…Is It Possible?
At the moment, more energy is used to produce nuclear fusion than the energy the process actually produces. It is also very expensive to make enough energy and convert it to electricity. So, the current results are not very satisfying nor are they efficient. However, there will come a day when the desired results are achieved as the motivation to achieve them is high. Therefore, nuclear fusion is no longer a case of “if” but rather one of “when”. We need to save our earth after all!
Check back on our website for more updates about this project!
Also check out the General Fusion website for more info: http://generalfusion.com/
Related:
Nuclear Need to Be Apart of Future Biodiversity
A Nuclear Battery is Being Developed
