Update on Nuclear Energy – Cleaner and Sooner, Safer and Acceptable
What may be possible is impossible until engineering catches up with science. Take nuclear fusion for example. Advances in nuclear technology are gaining momentum as is public acceptance of nuclear energy as an option for transitioning the energy industry and comforting those panicking over safety issues and climate change.
Sometimes you can be too far ahead of the market particularly when engineering lags science…BUT NOT FOREVER!
You are not alone if the term “nuclear” once conjured up everything DANGEROUS from radioactive to warheads, from Three Mile Island to Chernobyl. And while you may too have viewed nuclear “fusion” as the holy grail of energy – clean and safe, accessible and affordable, it was ALWAYS 30 years away.
The following highlights current articles about the status of nuclear energy with a glimpse of the future of fusion – reproducing the power of the sun on earth: clean, plentiful, and safe. If you care to comment…click HERE or wait until you first read the following highlights. Evidence has it that the more you learn about fusion, the more you are likely to view it as socially acceptable.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fusion reactors are scaling down in size – 10 years cited for proof of concept
While the world waits and watches for the completion of the multi-national European ITER facility HERE , small reactors are expected to play a more immediate role in producing clean energy. HERE and FOR MORE
Scientists developing a compact version of a nuclear fusion reactor have shown in a series of research papers that it should work. HERE The compact reactor – “SPARC”, could be up and running in just 10 years. HERE
NASA has unlocked nuclear fusion on a tiny scale, with a phenomenon called lattice confinement: fusion that takes place in the narrow channels between atoms. HERE
Increasing social and private sector acceptance of nuclear
Oil and gas companies are in transition – some investing already in nuclear fusion. HERE
Nuclear startup NuScale has received a landmark final safety evaluation report (FSER) for its modular reactor design, making it the first American modular design to reach this point. HERE
A nuclear energy venture proposes to build small advanced nuclear power stations that can store electricity to supplement grids increasingly supplied by intermittent sources like solar and wind power. HERE
“Deathprint” analysis illustrates that using nuclear, hydro, and renewables in place of coal and gas actually saves lives. HERE
On September 24th the US House of Representatives approved the Clean Jobs and Innovation Act and passed an amendment on Fusion Energy Research that directs the fusion energy program towards a clean energy mission, working at home and abroad in partnership between the public and private sectors. HERE
The Alberta/Canada Fusion Energy Alliance has transitioned to a national body as the Fusion Energy Council of Canada. HERE Their recent survey indicates growing acceptance of nuclear and in particular the promise of fusion. HERE
Other sources of information about the status of fusion energy
Visit the Fusion Industry Association HERE
Are we getting closer to nuclear solving all of our Food Safety Problems? We have had the technology for over 50 years.
Hey Barry, Perry here. Nuclear – fission to fusion, is but one of many MANY emerging disruptive technologies. Food security is but one of the issues technology is being called on to save. Wanna chat?
PEI is an ideal place for a small nuclear reactor. Unfortunately, public opinion (especialy environmental activists who tend to have a minimal education in science) is still stuck on the catastrophic potential and lack of recognizing that buried radioactive wastes is the lesser of two evils compared to carbon energy wastes ‘buried’ in the atmosphere. Yes,eventually fusion will end the radioactive waste problem, but will it come in time to prevent a climate disaster from carbon energy sources and its costs of making ‘renewable energy’ available?
Yes irradiated food is an excellent solution to the agricultural waste. As climate change reduces agricultural land, saving what we do grow becomes increasingly important.
In my opinion and only my opinion energy fusion is closer to happening than most people can imagine it’s just re-designing a box
Incorporating thermal technology along with energy and trapping a high powered lux , lumens Mega thermal light Technology can’t really change the way we use Energy in the future . Sun in box’s