“Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons that has unique properties distinct from solids, liquids and gases.” (What Is Fusion, and Why Is It So Difficult to Achieve? | IAEA, n.d.)
There are currently at least three main approaches to making controlled nuclear fusion possible on earth. These are magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and the newer magnetised target fusion (MTF). The MCF method is performed by containing hot plasma through the use of powerful magnetic fields. During ICF a small pellet containing fusion fuel is compressed to extremely high densities by a strong laser or particle beam. MTF may be described as a combination of MCF and ICF approaches. This newer technology makes use of a magnetic field to confine plasma with compressional heating provided by lasers, electromagnetic or mechanical liner implosion. This process results in shorter required confinement times and lesser required compression velocities, thereby reducing the requirement to stabilize plasma for extended periods of time. The bottom line is that this approach should allow for less expensive processes, making it a lower-cost alternative compared to existing approaches. It brings the world one step closer to an affordable and unlimited supply of clean energy.
This new MTF approach will soon be used in a demonstration plant in the UK. The project will be financed by a private Canadian nuclear fusion power company with a 400 million dollar investment. This is many times less expensive than the 22 billion dollar ITER project. ITER is a nuclear fusion megaproject in the south of France, funded by their 7 member nations. If any of these approaches work they would signify a huge breakthrough for the scientific world as well as the global economy.
References:
Brigham, K. (2021, October 1). The race is on to replicate the power of the sun with fusion energy. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/01/the-22-billion-iter-megaproject-aims-to-make-nuclear-fusion-a-reality.html
Corbley -, B. A. (2021, October 1). Canadian Startup to Build $400M UK Plant to Harness Nuclear Fusion in Entirely New Cost-Effective Way. Good News Network. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/canadian-fusion-energy-startup-to-build-400m-demonstration-plant/
Sati, A. (2021, October 9). Breakthrough in fusion energy: Is abundant low carbon energy within reach? ORF. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/breakthrough-in-fusion-energy-is-abundant-low-carbon-energy-within-reach/
What is Fusion, and Why Is It So Difficult to Achieve? | IAEA. (n.d.). Iaea.Org. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.iaea.org/fusion-energy/what-is-fusion-and-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-achieve
