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AI can now forecasts nuclear fusion reactor instabilities in real time - Interesting Engineering

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AI can now forecasts nuclear fusion reactor instabilities in real time

AI to forecast real-time plasma instabilities in nuclear fusion reactor

Fusion powers the Sun, and, by extension, makes life on Earth possible.

Updated: Feb 22, 2024 02:47 PM EST

Fusion powers the Sun, and, by extension, makes life on Earth possible.

Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear

State of Play

Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.

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