US Scientists Make History with Second Net Energy Gain in Fusion Reaction
US scientists have achieved net energy gain in a nuclear fusion reaction for the second time since a historic breakthrough in December of last year in their pursuit of a virtually limitless, safe and pure energy source.
According to a Lawrence Livermore spokesperson, scientists at the California-based Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory repeated the accomplishment in an experiment at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on July 30 that produced a greater energy yield than in December.
The spokesperson added that final results are still being analyzed.
Nuclear fusion involves fusing together light elements such as hydrogen to form denser elements, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. The approach, which is based on the heat and illumination of the sun and other stars, has been lauded as having immense potential as a sustainable, low-carbon energy source.
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Milestone Achievement: Lawrence Livermore Attains Fusion Ignition with Laser Experiment
In December, Lawrence Livermore accomplished a net energy gain in a laser-based fusion experiment for the first time. According to the Energy Department, this experiment momentarily achieved fusion ignition by generating 3.15 megajoules of energy output after the laser delivered 2.05 megajoules to the target.
The department stated that the reactor produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to power it.
Fusion energy increases the possibility of abundant renewable energy, as the reactions produce no greenhouse pollutants or radioactive waste. One kilogram of fusion fuel, which is composed of deuterium and tritium, provides the same amount of energy as 10 million kilograms of fossil fuel. However, seventy years have passed to reach this stage.
Scientists have cautioned that the technology is not yet ready to be implemented in viable power plants and will not address the climate crisis, but have praised the most recent breakthroughs as proof that the power of the stars can be harnessed on Earth.
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Source: The Guardian
