In simple terms, the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission is that - nuclear fission can generate a nuclear bomb whilst nuclear fusion can generate a huge amount of electricity.
Thus, in nuclear fusion processes, two lighter atomic nuclei are combined (fused) to form a heavier nucleus while releasing an enormous amount energy.
A good example to cite here is our solar energy which is produced by the violent collision and fusion of hydrogen atoms in the Sun's core to create helium atoms. It is this process that produces the 173,000 terawatts continously striking the Earth's surface - this is more than 10,000 times of energy that the world uses!
Scientists around the world are working on this type of very clean energy. International cooperation, even among rivals, is an unvoidable. USA, Russia, China, India, EU, Japan and South Korea have collaborative projects on nuclear fusion research projects.
The ambition is to be the first to capture and dominate the current US$ 15 trillion global energy market
Since the 1950s, USA has been very active in nuclear fusion research and today it invests approximately US$ 700 million per annum on this research.
Private companies, including those in oil & gas business, are also investing in fusion research projects. They include, Chevron, Eni, Sumitomo, Google, etc, etc,
In September 2022, scientists in South Korea reported on their TOKAMAK REACTOR being able to hold a temperature above 100 million degrees Celsius for 30 seconds - very big achievement!
On 11.12.2022, USA reported on a milestone achievement in the race towards the dominance of the global energy market through provision of nuclear fusion energy!
Please, make time to go through it.
Sospeter Muhongo
Officer, Ordre des Palmes académiques
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/11/fusion-nuclear-energy-breakthrough/
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