Nuclear fusion row going critical
From
New Scientist magazine:
bq. The debate over whether to build the world's biggest nuclear fusion facility in France or Japan is going critical. The European Union says it could pull out of the international project and build its own, if the project goes to Japan. But the US has firmly backed Japan as its preferred site.
bq. The ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project aims to lay the groundwork for the eventual use of nuclear fusion as an inexhaustible and environmentally friendly energy source. The French and Japanese sites are the only contenders left from a list that also included sites in Canada and Spain.
bq. "Of course it would be extremely expensive [to go it alone], but the EU could find the money," EU Research Commission spokesman Fabbio Fabbi told New Scientist.
And more:
bq. One possible solution might be to divide the project up between the countries, with planning and design done at one site and the actual experiment at another. "I think that's the hope in terms of breaking the stalemate," says Parker. He adds that researchers in different countries have collaborated effectively since 1986 on planning ITER.
Arrrrggghhh - politics... The key to renewable energy and they are playing politics with it...
I don't believe in the small-scale fusion reports - cold fusion and also the
Farnsworth Fusor - I do not doubt that energy and neutrons are released but sufficient energy to overcome the cost of operation? Naaa...
Posted by DaveH at January 15, 2004 1:54 PM