Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in their search for a safe and clean energy source, as per reports. They have generated more energy than they have put into a nuclear fusion reaction.
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining light elements, such as hydrogen, to create heavier elements. As a result, enormous amounts of energy are released. This method has been described as a promising source of low-carbon, long-term energy because it generates the heat and light of stars and the sun.
Since the 1950s, when nuclear fusion research began, scientists have been unable to demonstrate a positive energy gain. This is referred to as ignition. But it was only a problem until now. According to media reports, the researchers generated 2.5 MJ of energy while only using 2.1 MJ to heat fuel with lasers.
A huge contribution to this research was made by Dr Robbie Scott of Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Central Laser Facility (CLF), Plasma Physics Group; he called it a “momentous accomplishment”.
He said, “The experiment demonstrates unambiguously that the physics of Laser Fusion works. Much work remains to transform NIF’s result into power production, but this is a key step along the path.”
Prof Jeremy Chittenden of Imperial College London’s Department of Plasma Physics agreed, “If what has been reported is true and more energy has been released than was used to produce the plasma, that is a true breakthrough moment which is tremendously exciting.”
However, experts have stated that, while the results would be significant, the technology still needs to become a regular power source. 0.4 MJ is equal to 0.1 kWh, that is only enough to heat a kettle.
According to Professor Justin Wark of Physics at the University of Oxford, while a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory could achieve such a result about once per day, a nuclear power plant would have to produce it ten times per second.
It is to be noted that the reported positive energy gain emits the 500 MJ required for the lasers. Regardless if these results are correct, they outperform the laboratory’s previous significant achievement, converting 70% of the energy put into the experiment into nuclear energy.