Why nuclear fusion is the future of energy

Why nuclear fusion is the future of energy

Nuclear fusion powers the sun and the stars. It can provide abundant energy on Earth, which is why scientists have been working to tap it. And they have taken a step closer to making it a reality. Researchers in Britain enhanced the prospect of harnessing fusion energy after releasing a record amount of energy in an experiment in Oxfordshire, southeast England. That landmark event came amid the clamour for a new generation of nuclear reactors to reduce nuclear waste. Present-day reactors employ nuclear fission to generate power, and at least 400 commercial reactors now provide electricity to more than 30 nations. When nuclear fusion becomes viable enough to provide sustained energy, it will eliminate nuclear waste. The Joint European Torus record gives hope that the day of nuclear fusion as a source of power is not far. Here’s an explainer on why the JET nuclear fusion record is a milestone. Nuclear power is the energy gained from fission (splitting atoms) or fusion (combining atoms). All nuclear plants worldwide use nuclear fission, which releases heat (energy) that turns water into steam to run turbines and create electricity. Fusion too releases energy, but scientists have not been able to generate power in