ABCtech #55 18JAN16 Fusion Energy Now

ABCtech #55 18JAN16 Fusion Energy Now

Regardless of what governments want, carbon for energy isn’t likely to change soon though the winds of change continue: Paris, regulatory interventions, the rise of renewables, declining demand, AND emerging technologies – renewed interest in nuclear. The folowing article explains why so much interest in fusion energy and why Alberta needs to get ready. – Editor

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Let’s get serious – reversing the rise in carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere requires a serious change in our energy supply and altering current consumption. Renewables will help in the short term, but the only long term, scalable technology for base load heat and power remains – fusion.

Here are the arguments for “Why fusion?”, followed by the argument for “When?” – and why commit now?

Here is Why: 1. Fusion is clean – the sun’s energy source on earth with no direct radioactive products and no carbon dioxide, only helium as a residual; 2. Fusion fuels are readily available and plentiful – fusion reactions combine isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium from seawater and tritium made from lithium); 3. Fusion is safe – no possibility of system run-away or meltdown; 4. Fusion energy can power mobile and stationary applications – fusion generates heat that can be used directly or transformed into steam for electricity generation and distribution over power lines (and because it is safe, plants can be located close to where it is needed); 5. Fusion will be affordable – with a cost comparable to today’s electricity.

And when (Why now)?: 1. Competition – only Canada is not investing in fusion energy development in contrast to Europe, Asia and the USA; 2. Knowledge – as the world develops fusion technology, we will be left behind 3. Preparation – starting now will enable us to leverage cumulative worldwide investment and capitalize on industrial applications and serve as a supplier to an electric energy forecast to exceed $100 trillion in this century; 4. Employment – a fusion based energy industry will provide direct employment comparable to aerospace and semi-conductor manufacturing and indirectly, thousands of new jobs in every elemEnt of energy production, supply and distribution plus innumerable spinoff areas of high technology.

Canada is in a favorable position to participate in the energy transition: 1. A regulatory environment allowing an early-adopter option for prototype fusion energy demonstration; 2. Canada is especially vulnerable to an over-reliance on carbon fuels that would be a stranded asset in a fusion economy 3. As a non-participant in the current race to fusion ignition, Canada is viewed as an unbiased ideal collaborating partner; 4. As a carbon energy producer, Canada’s image would benefit by declaring a commitment to the development of a non-carbon energy technology 5. Canada can develop the innovation ecosystem today to the benefit of today’s economy, future fusion energy technology and disparate applications of lasers, photonics, advanced materials and infomatics.

The American Security Project in the USA has called for an “Apollo Program” approach with a commitment of $30 billion over 10 years with a goal of achieving practical fusion power within a decade. Contrast this number to that of the Alberta government backed Northwest Sturgeon Refinery that will require an estimated $26 billion in processing fees over 30 years and return $200-$700 million to taxpayers over this period. One can only lament the lost opportunity in this comparison – holding on to carbon fuels as a last gasp vs achieving sustainable clean energy and an enduring economic future with high tech jobs.

So, let’s get seriious – Alberta needs to take a position.  It is only a matter of time before fusion technology leaves Alberta and Canada with a stranded asset, something no one wants. But advocacy is only a first step, Alberta and Canada need a sustaining presence in: public education, preparing industry and educators, and participating in international programs already peparing for the transition to fusion.  It’s all about leadership – now!

See also:

Global Energy World HERE

Proceedings of the Alberta Council of Technologies Society’s  2015 Conference Series – “Creativity & Converegence – Creating the new Alberta!” HERE

Paris Climate Talks: Nuclear Fusion Is The ‘Holy Grail’ Of Clean Energy technology – International Business Times  HERE

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