Global fusion developments: The race for power

Alan Costley tracks the technologies being used to develop fusion reactors, and explores which might win the global race for clean power. Nuclear fusion is the primary source of energy in the universe, powering every star including our Sun. All our sources of energy - gas, oil, nuclear fission, wind, solar… derive from it, and as a result nuclear fusion offers essentially everlasting energy from reactors with low CO2 emissions, a small footprint, and inherent safety. Join fusion physicist Alan Costley as he outlines the fusion basics, the different approaches being pursued and addresses one of the biggest questions in fusion energy: should the East and the West collaborate, or compete? Multiple developed nations have spent more than 50 years pursuing this energy source through state-funded programmes. While significant milestones have been achieved, a commercially viable power source remains decades in the future. Now, however, a new force has emerged: private enterprise, backed by substantial capital specifically directed toward commercialising fusion research on a much shorter timescale. The field is dynamic and vibrant with competition emerging: East+West, as represented by the international ITER project, and in parallel the independent approaches in both the East and West to achieve the fusion goal of net power production. By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Ri's event terms and conditions. Event image by Nicola Narracci via Pexels