One Tiny Step Closer To Nuclear Fusion (On a Long and Winding Road)?

[Elckerlyc]

Experiment produces enough energy to achieve ignition

This experiment by the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California was held in August 2021. As yet they have not been able to reproduce the same results.

 

[Harpo]

Nuclear fusion: Has there been a breakthrough and what will it mean?

Rumours suggest the US National Ignition Facility has made a significant advance in nuclear fusion, though there are still many hurdles to overcome

www.newscientist.com

 

[CrazyKB]

I believe the joke is that fusion is about five years away every five years.

 

[CupofJoe]

The tiny diamond sphere that could unlock clean power

A diamond sphere made in Germany was key to December's breakthrough fusion experiment in California.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Robert Zwilling]

Only 5 more years, even less, as Helion says they will have a fusion power unit producing electricity in 2024.

Helion announces world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement with Microsoft

Promises to deliver 50 megawatts of power in 5 years with financial penalty if they don't.

I wonder if using 500 megawatts to produce 50 megawatts of fusion power satisfies the contract

 

[Christine Wheelwright]

I'm surprised we don't see more of these ridiculous, outlandish, extravagant claims. Musk has shown it is possible to make claims like this and spectacularly fail to meet them with very few repercussions. Quite the opposite; he is adored and revered by millions, in spite of his dismal failures.