Nuclear fusion, the holy grail of clean energy, is gaining momentum as countries and organizations intensify their efforts to make it a reality. The most prominent project is ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in France, which is a collaborative effort involving the European Union, the United States, Russia, Japan, China, India, and South Korea. ITER aims to demonstrate a net positive energy output by 2035.
The United Nations has been supportive of fusion research, recognizing its potential to address global energy and climate challenges. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been involved in fostering international collaboration and sharing advancements in fusion technology.
While there have been notable successes, such as achieving significant plasma temperatures and successful confinement experiments, the field has also faced setbacks. For instance, ITER’s construction and experimental phases have experienced delays and cost overruns. Furthermore, maintaining the extremely high temperatures and pressures required for sustained fusion reactions remains a formidable challenge. MORE