3 ms·
The situation was unclear for a while, but a few months ago the NRC decided to regulate fusion reactors like particle accelerators and hospital devices, rather
by DennisP 3y ago
The situation was unclear for a while, but a few months ago the NRC decided to regulate fusion reactors like particle accelerators and hospital devices, rather than like fission reactors. It was a unanimous decision by the five commissioners.[1]
According to the CEO of Helion, this essentially means they get regulated at the state level, in their case by the WA Department of Health.[2]
A poorly-designed fission reactor can turn into Chernobyl. A poorly-designed fusion reactor just doesn't work. It's not the same level of risk at all.
[1] https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/nrc-decision-separates-fusion-energy-regulation-from-nuclear-fission/ https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/nrc-decision-separ...
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/fusion/comments/18k8roi/age_of_miracles_the_fusion_episodes/ https://www.reddit.com/r/fusion/comments/18k8roi/age_of_mira...
- wand3r 3y agoThanks for the detailed info!