Case for Nuclear Fusion

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The Case for Nuclear Fusion As of now, 80% of global energy is provided by fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy sources are unlikely to completely replace fossil fuels in the coming decades due to infrastructure problems. A drop in global energy provided by oil starting sometime between 2012 and 2014 (Chris) is also expected. As a result of these circumstances more research must be done in other forms of energy generation in order to keep with energy demand as countries industrialize and populations grow. Despite claims that nuclear fusion will not be practically realized, research into nuclear fusion should be increased as it is not harmful to the environment, has nearly limitless fuel, and is inherently safe. Fusion power produces no greenhouse gasses and no long-lived radioactive products, making it a very clean energy source. According to the article “Safety and Environment,” “Fusion power does not produce any greenhouse gasses (GHGs) or other atmospheric pollutants during operation.” It has become an increasing desire for things, such as cars and companies, to become environmentally friendly or “green.” The fact that fusion power would generate no greenhouse gasses inherently is a big plus. Furthermore, according to the same article, “SEAFP concluded that fusion has very good inherent safety qualities, among which... no production of long-lived, highly radiotoxic products.” The radiotoxic products produced by nuclear fission pose a large environmental problem due to storage required. Fusion is much more environmentally friendly than fission because it lacks these products. Fusion power is inherently safer than other forms of energy generation, such fission, as well. As mentioned, fusion produces no long-term nuclear waste. I... ... middle of paper ... ...hat problem. Works Cited Chris. "Can Renewables Replace Fossil Fuels?" GetRealList. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . Flakus, Franz-Nikolaus, John C. Cleveland, and T. J. Dolan. "Nuclear Fusion: Targeting Safety and Environmental Goals."IAEA BULLETIN. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. "Fusion Energy." Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. . Hickman, Leo. "Fusion Power: Is It Getting Any Closer?"The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. . "Safety and Environment." Euratom Nuclear Research - Fusion. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. environment/index_en.htm>.

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