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Igniting the Sun on Earth: The Promise and Challenges of Nuclear Fusion Energy
Introduction
As global warming threatens our planet, the quest for alternative energy sources has never been more vital. The fight against carbon emissions has prompted many to dream of creating a mini-sun on Earth, generating energy through the fusion of hydrogen’s isotopes — deuterium and tritium. This article explores the pursuit of nuclear fusion energy, its potential, and the obstacles that stand in its way.
The Dream of Nuclear Fusion
Imagine replicating the Sun’s process, where hydrogen nuclei combine at a scorching 15 million degrees Celsius, releasing an energy equivalent to 42 trillion kilocalories. Not only does this process generate immense energy, but it also forms helium, a stable and non-polluting gas, devoid of the dangerous radioactive waste produced by nuclear fission.
Since around 2007, countries have collaborated on a grand scale, focusing on nuclear fusion technology to ignite a sun-like object on Earth, known as “mini-sun” or “nuclear fusion power.” With the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the expectations for this new energy source have grown.
