Not all nuclear power is created equal. In fact, some could play a key role in reducing carbon.
We’re talking, nuclear fusion. Not to be confused with nuclear fission, nuclear fusion offers a cleaner, safer route to sustainable, decarbonized, alternative energy.
A process that occurs naturally in the sun and stars, nuclear fusion has proved tricky to replicate on earth. Occurring when two lightweight atoms collide to form one heavier atom, it releases huge amounts of energy.
It promises a clean, limitless source of power which produces zero greenhouse gases or radioactive waste. A technology that means we can rely less on fossil fuels and reduce the rate of climate change.
Nuclear fusion is something the Joint European Torus (JET) knows a thing or two about.
Last year JET broke the record for sustained fusion energy (59 mega-joules produced over 5 seconds). And in September this year, its researchers began a new wave of testing using helium and hydrogen, and deuterium and tritium fuels.
Nuclear fusion technology has been ‘a few decades away’ for many years. But as we approach COP 27, the potential it offers for climate change mitigation makes it feel slightly more in reach.
