Abstract
Abundant and widely available fuel, no risk of meltdown and little radioactivity: nuclear fusion, the energy source of the stars, has been hailed for decades as *the* solution to the world’s energy needs. Unfortunately, after 50 years of research, we are still decades from building our first commercial fusion power plant. Still, progress is being made: the experimental ITER reactor, under construction in France, should generate fusion energy in the 2020s and the NIF facility, in California, is inches away from igniting a capsule of fusion fuel. But enormous challenges remain, as one would expect when trying to confine a plasma (hot gas) with temperatures above 150million degrees. We will learn about these challenges, hear about the fascinating history of the worldwide research efforts and get a glimpse of what remains to be done before the energy of the stars will become available in a power outlet near you.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Event | Nerd Nite XII - Duration: 3 May 2013 → 3 May 2013 |
Conference
Conference | Nerd Nite XII |
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Period | 3/05/13 → 3/05/13 |
Other | Nerd Nite XII |