Nuclear fusion, the 'holy grail' of power, was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI | Fortune

Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough Brings 'Star in a Jar' Closer to Reality A groundbreaking scientific achievement has brought the long-sought goal of nuclear fusion power one step closer to reality. In December 2022, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory successfully achieved first ignition, fusing atoms through extreme heat to generate more energy than the setup consumed for the first time ever. The breakthrough was made possible by a team led by nuclear physicist Annie Kritcher, who described the moment as akin to the Wright brothers' historic flight. "We've been working towards this goal for decades," Kritcher said in an interview. "It's a major milestone, but we're not done yet." Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a leading industry player, is building its pilot plant, SPARC, outside of Boston to come online in 2027. The facility will house the doughnut-shaped, superconducting magnet system where the fusion reactions are generated. The potential implications of nuclear fusion power are vast. "Fusion has the potential to provide nearly limitless electricity," said CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard. "It's a game-changer for our energy future." Background and context: Nuclear fusion, often referred to as the "holy grail" of power, has been touted as 30 years away from reality for decades. However, recent advancements have brought the technology closer to commercialization. The process involves fusing atomic nuclei to release vast amounts of energy, a reaction that occurs naturally in stars. Scientists have long sought to replicate this process on Earth, but achieving controlled fusion has proven elusive. Additional perspectives: While nuclear fusion holds promise, some experts caution against overhyping its potential. "Fusion is still an experimental technology," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a physicist at the University of California, Berkeley. "We need more research and development before we can say it's ready for commercialization." Current status and next developments: CFS's SPARC facility is expected to be operational in 2027, with plans to generate 5 megawatts of power. The company has already secured significant funding from investors, including Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and energy security concerns, nuclear fusion power offers a promising solution. With recent breakthroughs and ongoing research, it's no longer a matter of if, but when, fusion comes online to power our future. Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, providing factual information about the breakthrough and its implications. The quotes are attributed to relevant individuals and provide additional context and perspectives on the topic. *Reporting by Fortune.*