Fusion: a true challenge for an enormous reward

Abstract

A source of energy which would be inexhaustible, inherently safe and environmentally friendly, is this not a marvellous prospect? Nuclear fusion is a possible candidate for this role. It has been the energy source of our Sun and the stars in the universe for billions of years. The process requires temperatures of tens of millions of degrees, so extremely high and foreign to our daily experience that it seems out of reach. Nevertheless, these extremely high temperatures are routinely realised in several laboratories all over the world. Since the early 1990s, tens of MW of fusion power have been released from fusion reactions. Progress in the last years shows that fusion holds the promise to be a clean and safe solution for mankind’s long-term energy needs. We are witnessing the birth of a new technology destined to meet the gigantic future energy needs of mankind with minimal impact on the environment.