EXPLAINER: Why fusion could be a clean-energy breakthrough
Associated PressThe major advance in fusion research announced in Washington on Tuesday was decades in coming, with scientists for the first time able to engineer a reaction that produced more power than was used to ignite it. “And it produced more energy than the lasers had deposited.” Here’s a look at exactly what nuclear fusion is, and some of the difficulties in turning it into the cheap and carbon-free energy source that scientists hope it can be. Current efforts focus on fusing a pair of hydrogen isotopes — deuterium and tritium — according to the Department of Energy, which says that particular combination releases “much more energy than most fusion reactions” and requires less heat to do so. Daniel Kammen, a professor of energy and society at the University of California at Berkeley, said nuclear fusion offers the possibility of “basically unlimited” fuel if the technology can be made commercially viable. One way scientists have tried to recreate nuclear fusion involves what’s called a tokamak — a doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber that uses powerful magnets to turn fuel into a superheated plasma where fusion may occur.
History of this topic
US aims to create nuclear fusion facility within 10 years, Energy chief Granholm says
Associated Press
Nuclear fusion milestone achieved in huge boost for near-limitless clean energy
The Independent
Nuclear fusion ‘breakthrough’: Decades of research are still needed before fusion can be used as clean energy
The Hindu
Fusion breakthrough holds great potential
Hindustan Times
Nuclear fusion breakthrough: Scientists make major ‘limitless clean energy’ announcement
The Independent
Nuclear-fusion breakthrough accelerates quest to unlock limitless energy source
Live Mint
Nuclear fusion energy breakthrough: a skeptic’s caveats.
Slate
What is nuclear fusion and what does the breakthrough mean for the climate crisis?
The Independent
Why Nuclear Fusion Could Be A Clean-Energy Breakthrough
Huff Post
A breakthrough in nuclear fusion may produce "near-limitless energy"
Salon
Fusion breakthrough is a milestone for climate, clean energy
Associated Press
Scientists finally achieve ‘holy grail’ of nuclear fusion power
The Independent
'Major breakthrough' in nuclear fusion sees scientists achieve 'net energy gain'
Daily Mail
Explained | Why fusion could be a clean-energy breakthrough
The Hindu
Explained: How 'latest breakthrough' in nuclear fusion brings us one step closer to clean energy
Firstpost
US scientists set to announce fusion energy breakthrough
Associated Press
‘Important day’: US celebrates fusion energy breakthrough
Al Jazeera
Is nuclear fusion a clean-energy planet saviour?
Al Jazeera
Why nuclear fusion could be a clean-energy breakthrough
LA Times
US scientists reach long-awaited nuclear fusion breakthrough, source says
CNN
US scientists reach long-awaited nuclear fusion breakthrough, source says
CNN
Understanding the Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Energy and the Challenges Ahead
Bloomberg
Oxford scientists leap ahead in race to harness nuclear fusion
The Telegraph
UK scientists make major nuclear fusion energy breakthrough: Everything you need to know
Firstpost
Nuclear fusion breakthrough opens door to clean and near limitless energy
The Independent
Will fusion energy define our clean energy future?
Al Jazeera
Chinese team makes unexpected fusion breakthrough
Wired
Nuclear fusion project takes key step in lab test
Associated PressDiscover Related