Nuclear Fusion Milestone
For the first time, a controlled fusion reaction has generated more power than it requires to run, according to researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. The experiment is seen as a major step toward commercial fusion power, but experts say there is still a long way to go in terms of increasing efficiency and reducing cost. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) fusion reactor at the lab generated a power output of 3.15 megajoules from a laser power output of 2.05 megajoules – a gain of about 150%. However, this is far outweighed by the roughly 300 megajoules drawn from the electrical grid to power the lasers in the first place. The previous record, set in August, produced an output that was equivalent to 72% of the energy input from its lasers.
Nuclear fusion has the potential to create new industries and opportunities across the economy and for investors because, in its ideal form, it is a limitless source of clean and safe energy. Even with the successful fusion experiment, however, there are still technical issues to be resolved before a fusion reactor can be built. But, once fusion energy is secure, the nuclear energy industry and fusion reactors or fusion-related equipment industries expand the economy. In turn, these new industries would also provide opportunities for investors.
What do you think about the experiment’s progress? Could we see a new sub-sector within the energy industry forming within the next half century?
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I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.
