Fusion power in our lifetimes, maybe

[lady_*nix]

But probably not IMO.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/liv ... itics-live

So they broke even, cool. Now how much excess energy are we talking? and how will they capture it? Let alone automate it, do it thousands of times a minute, and get the time and cost of fabricating these capsules low enough for it to make sense?

[Sigma_Orionis]

It will take a lot of work and resources to get there. But at least, after almost 70 years they managed to reach ignition

[Rommie]

Yes, my understanding is at this point, what they did is notable but not very scalable. But hey maybe it means fusion is 15 years away now instead of 20!

[Thumper]

Baby steps

[geonuc]

I've been a bit of a Debbie Downer on this fusion news. Sure, it's a step forward but the somewhat arbitrary definition of the milestone prevents me from getting too excited (the energy out minus energy in equation omits some very relevant factors such as the power required to operate the lasers). Also, this laser tech is, so far, not the most promising technology. The Tokamak reactors seem to have the best chance of actually progressing to the point of a viable power plant (still decades away as well, though).

[lady_*nix]

@geonuc

Yeah, same. Esp. because the planet is dying, and we already have proven tech for replacing coal - every dollar that went into this debacle could have instead gone into switching our grid over to renewables.

[geonuc]

@geonuc

Yeah, same. Esp. because the planet is dying, and we already have proven tech for replacing coal - every dollar that went into this debacle could have instead gone into switching our grid over to renewables.

I wouldn't call it a debacle. I am very much in favor of funding basic science, which is where we are with fusion. Meanwhile, of course, fission is a mature technology that can readily replace coal.

[Sigma_Orionis]

I've been a bit of a Debbie Downer on this fusion news. Sure, it's a step forward but the somewhat arbitrary definition of the milestone prevents me from getting too excited (the energy out minus energy in equation omits some very relevant factors such as the power required to operate the lasers). Also, this laser tech is, so far, not the most promising technology. The Tokamak reactors seem to have the best chance of actually progressing to the point of a viable power plant (still decades away as well, though).

Here's hoping ITER actually works...

[geonuc]

Here's hoping ITER actually works...

Yep, for future generations. You and I will probably not see it happen.

[Thumper]

Baby steps.
Oh and flying cars.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Here's hoping ITER actually works...

Yep, for future generations. You and I will probably not see it happen.

Speak for yourself. I plan to live forever

[SciFiFisher]

Here's hoping ITER actually works...

Yep, for future generations. You and I will probably not see it happen.

Speak for yourself. I plan to live forever

That’s the spirit!