Fusion Energy: Challenges and Solutions

This lecture explores the importance of energy for development, focusing on the UN Human Development Index and per capita electricity use worldwide. It discusses the need for alternative energy sources, the distribution of oil reserves, and the impact of energy consumption on global warming. The presentation delves into renewable energy, the potential of fusion energy, and the advancements in fusion technology, including the ITER project. It also covers the advantages of fusion energy, the concept of tokamaks, and the progress in magnetic fusion. The lecture emphasizes the potential of fusion energy as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for future energy needs.

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related lectures (150)

Related concepts (207)

PHYS-201(a): General physics : electromagnetism

Le cours traite des concepts de l'électromagnétisme et des ondes électromagnétiques.

Fusion power

Fusion power is a proposed form of power generation that would generate electricity by using heat from nuclear fusion reactions. In a fusion process, two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, while releasing energy. Devices designed to harness this energy are known as fusion reactors. Research into fusion reactors began in the 1940s, but as of 2023, no device has reached net power. Fusion processes require fuel and a confined environment with sufficient temperature, pressure, and confinement time to create a plasma in which fusion can occur.

Magnetic confinement fusion

Magnetic confinement fusion is an approach to generate thermonuclear fusion power that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel in the form of a plasma. Magnetic confinement is one of two major branches of fusion energy research, along with inertial confinement fusion. The magnetic approach began in the 1940s and absorbed the majority of subsequent development. Fusion reactions combine light atomic nuclei such as hydrogen to form heavier ones such as helium, producing energy.

Energy transition

An energy transition (or energy system transformation) is a significant structural change in an energy system regarding supply and consumption. Currently, a transition to sustainable energy (mostly renewable energy) is underway to limit climate change. It is also called renewable energy transition. The current transition is driven by a recognition that global greenhouse-gas emissions must be drastically reduced. This process involves phasing-down fossil fuels and re-developing whole systems to operate on low carbon electricity.

Primary energy

Primary energy (PE) is the energy found in nature that has not been subjected to any human engineered conversion process. It encompasses energy contained in raw fuels and other forms of energy, including waste, received as input to a system. Primary energy can be non-renewable or renewable. Primary energy is used in energy statistics in the compilation of energy balances, as well as in the field of energetics. In energetics, a primary energy source (PES) refers to the energy forms required by the energy sector to generate the supply of energy carriers used by human society.

Helium-3

Helium-3 (3He see also helion) is a light, stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron (in contrast, the most common isotope, helium-4 has two protons and two neutrons). Other than protium (ordinary hydrogen), helium-3 is the only stable isotope of any element with more protons than neutrons. Helium-3 was discovered in 1939. Helium-3 occurs as a primordial nuclide, escaping from Earth's crust into its atmosphere and into outer space over millions of years.

The Basics of Fusion Energy PHYS-424: Plasma II

Introduces fusion energy basics, covering plasma generation, fusion reactions, and environmental advantages of fusion energy.

Nuclear Fusion: Creating a Star on Earth HUM-123(b): Global issues: energy B

Explores the potential of fusion energy, emphasizing its benefits and challenges, with a focus on the ITER project.

Thermonuclear Fusion Basics MOOC: Plasma Physics: Introduction

Covers the basics of thermonuclear fusion, fusion reactions, advantages, plasma physics, and fuels, highlighting the potential of fusion energy.

Photovoltaics and Fusion Energy

Explores the role of photovoltaics in the energy transition and the potential of fusion energy for sustainable power generation.

Decarbonization: Energy Transition & Sustainability ENG-410: Energy supply, economics and transition

Delves into the feasibility of decarbonizing the electricity sector by 2050 using renewable energies, emphasizing economic competitiveness and sustainability.