Research suggests that nuclear energy could be an infinitely-abundant energy resource that will end our dependence on fossil fuels.
Nuclear energy is generated in the process called fusion. The stars, including our sun, create energy this way. To mimic the process, scientists use donut-shaped machines called tokamaks. It is supplied with fuel, and its giant magnets are activated to create plasma. The temperature is then raised, forcing the hydrogen fuel particles to bond. This produces helium gas and free-floating neutrons. The neutrons can escape the plasma and hit the tokamak walls, where the energy transfers as heat.
Though challenging to produce, fusion’s high-energy yield makes it a vital resource to consider. The technology also does not have harmful by-products helping alleviate the effects of large-scale environmental degradation and the ongoing climate crisis.
Will nuclear energy become our best energy source once deployed on a large scale? Comment your thoughts below.