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"Despite recent progress, is it possible that fusion will reach efficiency where it is net positive in energy output but still too expensive to be useful" This
by hutzlibu 5y ago
"Despite recent progress, is it possible that fusion will reach efficiency where it is net positive in energy output but still too expensive to be useful"
This is very likely and expected. First we need that positive output - then we can improve and scale up .. and then it might be worth it.
- willis936 5y agoKeep an ear out for ITER doing exactly that in 10-15 years. First plasma in 5. ITER was designed with LTS coils and will cost in the range of 50 billion USD. HTS coils are a big deal for driving size and cost down. MCF is still the king in terms of fewest engineering hurdles to overcome. Mirrors and liquid metal pistons are certainly neat avenues and should be explored, but you won't see them in 1st generation plants.
- DubiousPusher 5y agoDo you think some of the projects currently in development which are for teating but not useful efficiancy like ITER might later be retrofitted with bwtter technology which could make them efficient enough for utility?