The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California has reportedly achieved a significant breakthrough in nuclear fusion, where more energy was produced from the fusion reaction than was input into the experiment. Nuclear fusion is a process that mimics the energy generation of the Sun by fusing atoms together in a plasma state. In order to achieve fusion on Earth, extremely high temperatures and densities are required. Fusion has the potential to be a green source of energy, as it does not release carbon dioxide. However, while this achievement is promising, there are still engineering and material challenges to overcome before commercial fusion power plants can be built. The development of fusion energy is seen as a long-term strategy to combat climate change, alongside other low carbon technologies.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| First nuclear fusion experiment achieves net energy gain | From energy input exceeding output to net gain | Increased progress towards commercial fusion | Potential for clean, abundant energy |
| Fusion considered a green source of energy | Transition to a stable baseload of electricity | Integration into a green energy mix later in the century | Desire for carbon-free energy solutions |
| Progress towards commercial fusion still a long way off | Engineering net energy gain of the whole device | Overcoming engineering and materials challenges | Growing investment and research in fusion |
| Fusion is too late to deal with the climate crisis | Short-term use of low-carbon technologies | Long-term strategy for a diverse low-carbon energy mix | Urgency to address climate change |
| Fusion experiment demonstrates scientific energy gain | Progress towards generating fusion energy | Potential for the rapid development of fusion power | Milestone achievement in fusion science |
| Fusion still a long way from providing useful, clean energy | Energy output far less than input | Need for higher energy gain and efficiency | Engineering challenges for energy conversion |
| Fusion breakthrough demonstrates feasibility of fusion power | Proof of concept for fusion energy production | Increased funding and support for fusion research | Potential for green, secure energy source |
| Fusion milestone sets stage for future research and applications | Advancement in studying astrophysical processes | Opportunities for new scientific discoveries | Potential for advancements in various fields |