Controlled Nuclear Fusion
Technology that releases energy by controlling fusion reactions of light atomic nuclei such as deuterium and tritium, with the goal of achieving safe, clean, and nearly limitless energy.
Timeline (last 90 days)
In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States achieved net energy gain from controlled nuclear fusion (Q>1) for the first time, with laser input of about 2.05 megajoules and fusion output of about 3.15 megajoules.
Net energy gain from controlled nuclear fusion (Q>1) means the energy released by the fusion reaction exceeds the energy consumed to sustain the reaction, i.e., scientific energy breakeven; however, the 2022 National Ignition Facility result is only a gain from laser to fusion energy, and when full-system energy consumption is included, it remains very far from engineering feasibility.
All Facts (2)
In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States achieved net energy gain from controlled nuclear fusion (Q>1) for the first time, with laser input of about 2.05 megajoules and fusion output of about 3.15 megajoules.
50%UnverifiedNet energy gain from controlled nuclear fusion (Q>1) means the energy released by the fusion reaction exceeds the energy consumed to sustain the reaction, i.e., scientific energy breakeven; however, the 2022 National Ignition Facility result is only a gain from laser to fusion energy, and when full-system energy consumption is included, it remains very far from engineering feasibility.
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