ScalziDec 12, 2022

This is the biggest news on the planet right now, although I understand how most folks don't think so yet. But it has the potential to be literally world changing.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/11/fusion-nuclear-energy-breakthrough/

U.S. to announce fusion energy ‘breakthrough’

Scientists hit a key milestone in the quest to create abundant zero-carbon power through nuclear fusion. But they still have a long way to go.

The Washington Post
Show thread[email protected] migraDec 12, 2022
@scalzi why would it be different from previous announcements? I have been hearing about incoming nuclear fusion reactors since I was born, and yet there are none working for real.
Show threadskywiseDec 12, 2022
@lgvs @scalzi this is different in that this is the first time ever that energy output exceeds energy input for fusion reactions.
Show threadRobert ThauDec 13, 2022
@skywise @lgvs @scalzi The energy output from the NIF fusion exceeded what came in in the light from the laser beams. But the lasers are really inefficient, so that was only 1% or so of the electirc power going *into* the laser beams. So, this result is of theoretical interest, but still nowhere near the output levels you'd need to operate a plant with significant net output.
Show threadSteven WebbDec 13, 2022
@rst @skywise @lgvs @scalzi this is why I'm not too excited yet, it's great news but the hype is missing the crucial part
Show thread[email protected] migra
@swebb @rst @skywise @scalzi
Again we are very far from concrete results... I will wait for next announcements
Dec 13, 2022 at 3:59pmWeb