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More invested in nuclear fusion in last 12 months than past decade (growthbusiness.co.uk)

692 points by bilsbie · 1511 days ago · 663 comments on HN

Article summary

Investment in nuclear fusion has reached $2.8bn in the last 12 months, surpassing the total investment of $1.9bn over the past decade. Nuclear fusion is a clean energy solution that produces energy by fusing together atomic nuclei, and it is considered safer than traditional fission nuclear power. The UK plans to host the first prototype fusion power plant, with five locations in the running. Breakthroughs in fusion research have been made, including a record-breaking 59 megajoules of fusion achieved in 2021.

Main themes

  • nuclear fusion
  • clean energy
  • investment
  • sustainability
  • energy density
  • cost comparison

What commenters say

  • Fusion energy is a promising solution to the world's energy needs, but investment has been lacking until recently.
  • The cost and space requirements of solar energy make fusion a more viable option for some regions.
  • Fusion energy is not a silver bullet and its viability depends on its cost compared to other energy sources like solar and battery.
  • The benefits of fusion energy include its high energy density and ability to provide power regardless of weather or location.
  • Some argue that the waste heat generated by fusion reactors is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.
  • Others believe that the energy density of fusion makes it a more attractive option than solar and battery.
  • The feasibility of fusion energy also depends on its ability to be scaled up and commercialized.
  • Investment in fusion energy is crucial to support its development and potential to provide a clean and sustainable energy solution.