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this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2024
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Tokamaks... sigh.
When it finally works, you will have invented the most expensive form of energy we've ever imagined. Congratulations.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm excited for fusion. Fusion has some amazing potential as a power source and propulsion for space ships. But outside of that application, I don't know... I'm pissemistic. I do not think it will be the global energy revolution so many people seem to think it will be. It will not be unlimited cheap energy, not be a longshot.
There are several other topologies with promise. But even a tokamak can use its first wall latent heat to turn the archaic steam turbine.
While I also have low expectations for plasma density in tokamaks, they're able to keep plasma at fusion temperatures for minutes at a time.
And if there's one thing we've all learned, it's that if it's cheap to make, the trillionaire owners won't overcharge for it.
Yes, I think we'll have trillionaires first.
its gonna be unlimited expensive energy, which is a start.
except we needed a start 20 years ago, not now lol
Is it unlimited though? I mean sure, the fuel is abundant, we have hydrogen. But the other support materials are quite limited, berillium, helium, nuclear engineers. I don't think we have enough of all of that for an energy revolution.