As mentioned, I saw Ed Moses, Associate Director of the National Ignition Facility speak last night. What he had to say gave me a much needed positive glimpse into our uncertain future.

NIF is the foremost fusion (clean) energy project in the world. They have been at it for more than a decade, and for the first time they are saying with confidence that the world’s first contained fusion reaction is right around the corner, maybe even this year.

For those of you unfamiliar, here is a cool 5 min animation that explains how it works:

NIF houses the worlds largest and most sophisticated laser. By far. And it is almost certain that they will succeed in creating the first contained ignition quite soon. But what about an actual energy plant?

Well, this is where seeing Dr. Moses live really paid off. He had another animation that I have been unable to find online. But I am happy to explain. Moses went on to show us how the first production fusion reactors will work. Unlike NIF, where they are attempting to harness the power from one ignition, future reactors will be firing many time a second, at a string of similar (though much cheaper) fuel pellets that are fired into the chamber with an air gun (or similar). Then the heat captured (from turning matter into energy) will be converted into electricity with steam technology.

This all could be happening in the next decade.

For the first time in a while, I see again a glimmer of hope when it comes to our energy crisis.

NIF website