Why Is Fusion Energy Always ’10 Years Away’?
The concept of fusion energy being perpetually '10 years away' has been a longstanding joke in the scientific community. Despite significant advancements in fusion research, challenges remain in achieving consistent and efficient energy production. Experts emphasize that while progress is being made, substantial scientific and technological hurdles still need to be overcome.
- ▪The saying that fusion energy is always 'x years away' has been around since at least the 1960s.
- ▪Recent advancements in fusion research have led to increased energy outputs and improved hardware.
- ▪Experts highlight that materials science poses significant challenges for building reactors that can withstand extreme conditions.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Fusion is always “x years away,” or so goes the old joke. I tried (unsuccessfully) to find where this saying even came from. For what it’s worth, one researcher’s testimonial dates back to the 1960s, whereas another 1986 conference panel mentioned something similar. Both accounts say fusion power is 50 and between 25 and 30 years away, respectively, so that adds up to around the 2010s.…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Gizmodo.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Gizmodo
