Anyone in the know about nuclear power? I hear that if fusion reactions can be contained, it would solve the planet's pending energy shortage. Any ideas how close we are to harnessing fusion fuel, and what the main obstacles are?
2006-09-06 06:01:40 · 8 answers · asked by babalu2 5 in Environment
We can already control fusion. Unfortunately we haven't been able to generate energy that way yet, as the methods we use to create fusion so far always uses more energy than what is created (unlike e.g. the sun)
Depending on who you ask, we're approximately 20 years from achieving useful energy generation through fusion. This has been the case for the last 50 years or so. Which means, nobody has a clue. Somebody could make a breakthrough tomorrow, or we may never find out.
It would be safer to bet on renewable energy, if we are to solve the planet's pending energy shortage. Planning with the hope of achieving fusion energy generation anytime soon is just wishful thinking.
2006-09-06 06:07:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most recent estimates put us at 50 to 100 years away from being able to harness fusion fuel and use it in a practical manner. The biggest obstacles to overcome are being able to produce the insanely high temperature and pressure levels needed to catalyze fusion. After that, the next issue will be the effective containment of the fusion reactions and practical conversion into useful forms of energy. I doubt I'll see it happen in my lifetime...
2006-09-06 06:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does this mean we've ultimately complete a controlled man made fusion reaction? you're somewhat at the back of the circumstances, we've had man made and powerful fusion reactions in the previous. the only difficulty with them is they nonetheless don't be able to output extra potential than is had to maintain them working ... so some distance ... yet each and each technology of reactor has frequently better upon the ratio ... i think of it fairly is sitting at some thing like 0.6-0.8, which potential the fusion reactions produce approximately 60-80% of the potential they require to maintain themselves - it is not any trouble-free feat! they are able to regulate this for a 2d or so (it fairly is a loong time for the fusion reaction).
2016-11-25 00:39:33 · answer #3 · answered by owsley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many experts say we are within 10 years of having fusion power. In fact, they have been saying that every year for the last 50 years now.
2006-09-06 08:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One reactor got a fusion reaction going for a few seconds. The main obstcale is cost, it is very expensive.
This site has a lot of very good info on this subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_reactor
2006-09-06 06:08:48 · answer #5 · answered by nighthawk8713 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are being worked on in the private sectors of The Department of Energy. A solution has already been formed and in action, but are not quite ready to go public with it yet due to deals with oil companies and improvements for public saftey.
The major-money oil companies are the ones delaying public usage. It will take YEARS and big bucks to coax them.
2006-09-06 07:38:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
about 8 light minutes - the distance to the sun
2006-09-07 02:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by fred 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
186000000 miles
2006-09-06 15:43:51 · answer #8 · answered by Michael S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋