A Japanese company called Helical Fusion is poised to launch a groundbreaking steady-state nuclear fusion reactor, according to Interesting Engineering. This pilot reactor has significant implications for clean energy if successful.
Traditional nuclear reactors use fission, where atoms are split apart, but scientists have long sought to harness the power of fusion, where two atoms combine. A fusion reactor mimics the sun’s process and could theoretically produce virtually unlimited clean energy with no radioactive byproducts.
Helical Fusion aims to create a steady-state combination reactor within 10 years, producing electrical power. If successful, they plan to construct a commercial reactor by around 2040.
While scientists have achieved nuclear fusion in the past, it has been difficult to produce without expending more energy than created. However, advancements are being made globally, making a commercial nuclear fusion reactor seem inevitable.
The Japanese and American governments recently collaborated on harnessing nuclear fusion, while Chinese scientists have reported major breakthroughs. A California-based startup is also working on a process to make fusion commercially viable.
Meanwhile, nuclear fission remains an option, with the government allocating $2 billion for a power plant in Michigan.
Source: https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/steady-state-nuclear-fusion-reactor-helical/