Future of energy: will the revolution come through nuclear fusion?

Future of energy: will the revolution come through nuclear fusion?

The topic of nuclear fusion research is increasingly becoming the focus of science and politics. The magazine from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) deals with the possibility of using nuclear fusion to generate energy, similar to solar fire. Hydrogen is highlighted as a key raw material for this energy technology. The complexity of the research approaches is reflected in the years of effort required to achieve safe and efficient use of nuclear fusion reports the HHU magazine.

On January 9, 2025, the report from the Office for Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag (TAB) was published. This study entitled “Towards a possible nuclear fusion power plant – knowledge gaps and research needs from the perspective of technology assessment” addresses the challenges and possibilities of fusion energy. However, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) were critical of the report and pointed out numerous errors that could call into question the seriousness of the results. For example, PROTO, an old power plant prototype, was incorrectly presented as a follow-up model to DEMO reports the IPP.

Criticism and suggestions for improvement

The TAB report also contains other inaccuracies, such as a misleading representation of neutron energy in D-T fusion compared to fission reactors. These and other errors, including the comparison of damage to high-temperature superconductors, raise questions about the scientific validity of the information presented.

The director of the IPP, Prof. Sibylle Günter, also commented on key aspects of fusion power plants. She emphasizes that fusion energy could be available in the second half of the century and represents an important source of electricity and process heat. Of particular note is the prospect that fusion waste will decay more quickly compared to waste from fission power plants, but efficient recycling of waste must be ensured.

Technical challenges and economic aspects

Fusion research faces numerous technical challenges. Materials for future fusion power plants will need to withstand extreme conditions while addressing questions about the economics and social sustainability of the technology. The feasibility of generating tritium in sufficient quantities to power the reactors presents another challenge as global supplies are limited reports the TAB.

Diversified approaches, including through privately financed start-ups, could address the current bottlenecks in fusion research. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether these new initiatives can lead to the commercialization of fusion power plants in the short term. Forecasts show high investment requirements and long capital commitments, while at the same time the framework conditions for their integration into existing renewable energy systems are still unclear.

In conclusion, advances in nuclear fusion have a promising but challenging future ahead. Fusion research could make a significant contribution to global energy goals, but still requires substantial improvements and innovations to fully function as an environmentally friendly and safe energy source.