The fusion of baseload energy and the decarbonized world as a future

Karl Tishler of the European Fusion Research Consortium Eurofusion discusses the potential of fusion energy in achieving global decarbonization.

The energy landscape is evolving rapidly as the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy security increases. Long considered a scientific dream, fusion energy is approaching a pivotal moment when we can redefine how we move the world. With strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, science and industry are integrating approaches to fusion power.

As a potential source of clean, reliable baseload energy, Fusion retains its commitment to filling the critical gaps left by existing renewable technologies such as wind and solar. Recent breakthroughs and increased investments have made Fusion Energy appear as the basis for future energy mixes, complementing renewables and rebuilding the path to a sustainable and resilient energy system.

Fusion: Ultimate Baseload Power

Unlike intermittent, weather-reliable sources such as solar and wind, dependent on solar and weather conditions, fusion provides a consistent and reliable source of power. The fusion process combines the nuclei to release a huge amount of energy, like a star. This process can generate output 24/7, regardless of external conditions. Fusion’s fuels, deuterium and tritium come from resources such as seawater and lithium. Fusion is not only safe against the geopolitical and supply chain risks associated with fossil fuels, as it requires 10 million times less fuel than coal-fired power plants to release the same amount of energy.

As an energy source, fusion is inherently safe, does not produce carbon emissions or long-life nuclear waste, and there is no risk of meltdown. A by-product of the fusion reaction is helium, short-lived, low to intermediate radioactive materials, which are much easier to manage compared to high levels of waste from fission reactors. This positions the fusion as a unique, clean baseload power source that can be operated continuously to balance the variability of other renewable energies and stabilize the grid.

Beyond Power: Thermal Production and Its Applications

Fusion’s possibilities extend beyond power generation. This is because it generates heat that can also be used in certain applications such as district heating. Currently, the heat generated by fusion reactors is not suitable for all industrial processes, especially those requiring extremely high temperatures, such as hydrogen production and advanced manufacturing processes. This limitation occurs because heat must be below certain thresholds to maintain reliability of materials such as Eurofather steel.

However, this limitation is associated with the material used today. In the future, a variety of materials that can withstand higher temperatures will be developed, opening the door to a wider range of industrial applications. Advances in material science have the potential to apply fusion-forming heat to higher temperature processes.

Eurofer Steel is designed to withstand the high radiation and temperature conditions typical of fusion reactors and is essential for important components such as breeding blankets and diverters. However, exceeding certain temperature limits can compromise the structural integrity of the Eurofer, which limits its compatibility for several high-temperature industrial applications compared to heat from a fission reactor. Nevertheless, materials innovation on the horizon allows fusion reactors to produce heat suitable for more demanding industrial applications.

Fusion Heat provides valuable resources for district heating and other medium temperature applications, contributing to reducing fossil fuels in residential and some commercial environments. As material technology evolves, the potential use of fusion heat could similarly translate its role beyond gradual applications and extend its broader industrial processes.

EuroFusion: Directs fees towards a fusion-based future

Eurofusion, Europe’s premier fusion research consortium, is at the forefront of this transformation. Our mission goes beyond fusion science progress. We are committed to bringing fusion to the market as an integral part of Europe’s decarbonized energy portfolio.

Eurofusion research supports ITER, the world’s largest fusion experiment in the southern part of France. There, 35 countries work together to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy. Our work will directly contribute to overcoming the remaining technical hurdles and ensure that fusion is ready to complement existing energy sources within the coming decades.

Eurofusion’s leadership in fusion research is not just scientific achievements. It is about creating a sustainable, economically viable energy future. Our strengths lie in our global expertise, our collaborative spirit, and our ability to connect the cohesive research community that we are currently seeking to expand and build strong partnerships with our industry and private fusion ventures as equal partners. This approach has already led to significant advances in plasma physics, materials science and nuclear reactor design, paving the way for fusion to become a practical and competitive energy source.

The role of fusion in future energy mixes

The world moves towards electrification, especially in sectors such as transportation, heavy industry and data centers, only strengthens the demand for reliable clean energy. Fusion offers a unique synergy with renewable energy. By providing consistent baseload power, fusion can reduce the need for large-scale battery storage and grid balancing technologies. This integration can result in a more resilient and cost-effective energy system, and when renewable energy provides fusion with variable power, it ensures a stable supply, optimizing the overall performance and reliability of the grid.

Overcoming challenges and looking ahead

Fusion’s possibilities are enormous, but challenges remain. The transition from experimental reactors to commercial power plants requires significant investment, regulatory clarity and continuous technological innovation. Achieving net energy gain – Recent advances, including measuring energy produced by fusion reactions compared to energy delivered to fuel, have fuelled global interest and investment. However, this measure does not yet explain the overall energy required to operate the system, highlighting the need for further development.

EuroFusion is tackling these challenges head on, working closely with international research and industry partners to bring fusion energy from the lab to the power grid. Our efforts are consistent with the broader global goal of achieving climate neutrality, with the understanding that a significant impact of fusion will be felt after 2050. Fusion shares the benefits of this clean and safe technology worldwide, ensuring that all countries support energy justice by enabling society to be fueled and fueled.

The next big leap

Fusion represents the next major leap in energy technology. This is a leap from Eurofusion with vision, innovation and collaboration. As we stand on the verge of realizing Fusion’s potential, we invite policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to participate in supporting this innovative technology. Fusion is more than just a scientific milestone. What will move for the next generation and beyond is a clean, reliable, and rich energy future.

The fusion gives us the opportunity to redefine baseload energy and ensure a sustainable future for everyone.

This article will also be featured in the 20th edition of Quarterly Publishing.