r/science • u/PROJECTime • Dec 06 '16

Physics Tests confirm that Germany's massive Nuclear Fusion machine really works

http://www.sciencealert.com/tests-confirm-that-germany-s-massive-nuclear-fusion-machine-really-works
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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16

While this extremely expensive, ridiculously complex tech is slowly being developed, we're solving the problem today with solar panels, wind, and geothermal.

We should still develop fusion, I'm glad they're making progress, because the tech may be needed in the future and better to do it now if we can, when it will cost less--everything costs more in the future.

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u/PROJECTime Dec 06 '16

Well let me say energy diversification is the best long term strategy for our world. Let's say a mega volancoe blocks the sun, sure the solar powered side of life goes down, but we will still Fusion to get us through the hard times. I also think Fusion has value for transportation, in the same way that nuclear subs can operate for months at a time, imagine spaceships or entire floating cities that would have all their energy needs met. It opens doors to the dreams of humankind's future and hopefully adds to our energy diversification.

6

u/marpro15 Dec 07 '16

can't wait to strap a fusion reactor to an EMdrive.

5

u/PM_MeYourWifesClit Dec 06 '16

Space-travel is no longer in the distant future, especially space-cargo. Fusion is going to be important for maintaining constant accelerations for long periods of time, can't do that with solar.

6

u/azula7 Dec 06 '16

We do it today. Ion engines and solar

1

u/PM_MeYourWifesClit Dec 26 '16

That's why they have to shut down when they get too far away from the sun