The search for sustainable and future-proof energy sources has led to a major conversation surrounding fusion energy. The space is attracting significant investment and intellectual capital, including from tech industry heavyweights like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. But what exactly is fusion energy? And why is it considered a game-changer for the future of the energy sector?
What is fusion energy?
Imagine you are sitting by a campfire. The fire burns brightly, giving off warmth and light. Now, let’s think about the sun, which is a giant bonfire in space. The sun shines because of something called nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion is when ultra-small particles (called atoms) collide so violently and at high speed that they “fuse” or combine, releasing large amounts of energy. It’s like a giant firework!
Nuclear fusion occurs when the smallest types of atoms, such as hydrogen (the substance in water), are compressed together under extreme heat of more than 100 million degrees Celsius. When these atoms collide at such high temperatures, they combine to form new atoms, releasing enormous amounts of energy in the process. It’s just a super super power up!
Unlike the energy we use today, which can pollute the air, such as burning coal or natural gas, fusion energy is clean. It does not produce any harmful waste and nature has plenty of fuel for it. It’s like a campfire that never runs out of wood and never smokes.
Imagine recreating the process that powers the sun here on Earth.
Is fusion energy sustainable?
Nuclear fusion is often referred to as the “holy grail” of energy production. The main fuels, hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium and tritium, are abundant or can be extracted from water or lithium, providing a virtually limitless supply of clean energy. Furthermore, fusion produces significantly less long-lived radioactive waste than nuclear fission, and there is no risk of catastrophic meltdown.
However, achieving practical and sustainable fusion energy has been difficult due to the extreme temperatures and conditions required to force the nuclei together (over 100 million degrees Celsius to be exact). known. Despite these challenges, recent technological advances suggest that we are closer than ever to realizing fusion energy.
Why is fusion energy considered promising?
Fusion Energy is committed to a future of energy independence and security. Providing clean, zero-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, essential to combating climate change. If used successfully, nuclear fusion could provide a stable and reliable source of energy, unaffected by the weather and geopolitical tensions that often disrupt current energy supplies such as oil and gas. .
The science behind fusion energy
To create fusion, you need a machine that can create an incredibly hot environment in which atomic nuclei can collide with enough force to fuse. Helion Energy, a promising startup in this field, has developed a unique approach using a pulsed non-ignition method. The company’s latest prototype, Polaris, aims to become the first fusion device to produce pure electricity by 2024. Unlike traditional fusion reactors, which use heat to generate steam and drive turbines, Helion uses an electromagnetic approach, which it claims is more efficient and can directly provide power. Generation from the fusion process. Their technology has already demonstrated 95% energy recovery from fusion reactions, showing the potential for high efficiency and scalability.
Sam Altman’s bet on Hellion Energy
In July 2024, technology entrepreneur Sam Altman, known for his role at OpenAI and as the former president of Y Combinator, doubled down on his investment in Helion Energy. Altman led Helion’s $500 million Series E funding round, with an additional $1.7 billion contingent on the startup hitting key milestones. This investment represents one of the largest investments ever in clean energy. Mr. Altman’s belief in Helion’s mission is supported by the company’s innovative approach and progress toward commercializing fusion energy.
Helion plans to generate electricity at a cost of about $10 per megawatt hour. This is significantly lower than most current energy sources, including coal and solar power. This makes fusion not only a clean option, but also an economically competitive option that could attract more private sector investment and interest.
What does it mean for entrepreneurs to get involved in fusion energy?
Entrepreneurs like Altman investing heavily in fusion sends a clear message that this technology is no longer a distant dream, but a viable path to a sustainable future. Their involvement can accelerate progress by leveraging networks, increasing public awareness, and attracting additional funding. This also reflects a broader trend where technology leaders are expanding their focus beyond digital innovation to include breakthroughs in energy, climate and sustainability.
Fusion energy – reality or still a dream?
Fusion energy has long been thought of as “always 30 years away,” but things are changing. Companies like Helion, backed by tech giants and venture capital, are making great strides to prove that Fusion can deliver on the promise of limitless clean energy. With plans to demonstrate net electricity production by the end of 2024, Helion and backers like Sam Altman are moving us closer to a future where nuclear fusion could become the foundation of the world’s energy system.
