Nuclear Fusion
EXTENDED
- The Sun’s energy is produced by through the process of nuclear fusion in its core
- Nuclear fusion involves the collision (and bonding) of hydrogen nuclei to form helium nuclei, releasing nuclear energy in the process
Fusion is the process in which small nuclei, such as hydrogen, are fused together to form larger nuclei releasing energy in the process
- It is theoretically possible to produce a fusion reactor that could be used to generate electricity
- This technology could potentially solve the world's energy crisis
- Fusion requires extremely high temperatures, like in the centre of a star
- Scientists are currently researching how to sustain a fusion reaction at lower temperatures
- International research projects funded by some of the world's largest businesses are making progress with some promising results
- Currently, the fusion reactions require nearly as much energy as they release, but progress is being made toward net energy production
- If they succeed, virtually limitless amounts of energy could be produced, with large-scale, carbon-free electricity generation
