Our Opportunity to Lead in Fusion Energy
Nadia Schadlow and Craig Mundie, strategic advisors to Helion Energy, have recently highlighted the importance of fusion energy and the need for the United States to take a leading role in its development. They warn that China is currently outspending the U.S. in this area and could surpass American fusion capabilities within a few years. They argue that the U.S. cannot afford to let this happen as fusion energy will provide reliable, carbon-free electricity for an expanding global economy, with significant geopolitical implications.
The Power of Fusion Energy
Fusion energy is generated when two atoms combine into one, releasing vast amounts of energy. Some new fusion designs can produce superheated plasma with temperatures of up to 100 million degrees Celsius, and generate energy with minimal radiation risks. While fusion energy has been a subject of science fiction for generations due to the challenges of recreating the physics of the sun in a controlled environment on Earth, recent advances have brought this technology closer to reality.
Technological Advances in Fusion Energy
Significant progress has been made in the development of fusion energy, thanks to advances in key "adjacent technologies" that help manage the hot plasma at the heart of all fusion reactions. These include advances in fiber optics, semiconductors, and computing, including AI. Power semiconductors have enabled the introduction of different fusion architectures, leading to more opportunities and faster progress. Advanced fiber optics have eliminated concerns about electromagnetic interference, while powerful computers have allowed the intricate atomic ballet of fusion reactions to be choreographed and repeated thousands of times per second.
The Need for U.S. Government Action
The authors argue that the U.S. government must take steps now to accelerate manufacturing at scale and deployment of fusion energy. This includes recognizing fusion as a key part of the shift to clean energy, creating a regulatory environment that differentiates modern fusion technology from 20th century nuclear energy, and opening up loan programs and tax incentives to fusion energy. They warn that if the U.S. does not take these steps, it could lose its fusion moment to China.
The Geostrategic Implications of Fusion Energy
The authors argue that just as the great powers of the 19th century scrambled to develop technology and secure petroleum supplies, a similar scramble is unfolding today with fusion energy. They warn that Beijing recognizes that fusion is a source of near-unlimited energy and that achieving it at scale will not only give China the energy independence it craves, but also a leading position as a supplier of these new sources of energy around the world.
Bottom Line
The development and deployment of fusion energy is a moonshot opportunity that the U.S. cannot afford to miss. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the race is on to secure a leading position in this potentially game-changing technology. What is your take on this? Do you think the U.S. should prioritize fusion energy development? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
