Energy Department Invests in Fusion Hub Development – The Presidential Prayer Team - The Presidential Prayer Team
Energy Department Invests in Fusion Hub Development - The Presidential Prayer Team
Nuclear fusion offers energy without waste.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $42 million this month to establish integrated research hubs that will advance and develop nuclear fusion energy in the United States.
Last year, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory achieved fusion ignition in their research facilities, becoming the first on Earth known to replicate the nuclear reaction that powers the sun. Nuclear fusion is different from nuclear fission; the latter is somewhat easier to achieve and is currently the fuel for all nuclear power plants across the globe. However, nuclear fusion creates zero waste, making its further development an appealing source of energy for the future and the goal of the new development hubs.
“Harnessing fusion energy is one of the greatest scientific and technological challenges of the 21st Century,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “We now have the confidence that it’s not only possible, but probable, that fusion energy can be a reality. The scientists in these hubs will be the vanguard of game-changing and planet-saving breakthroughs.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Granholm as she collaborates with nuclear fusion scientists.
- For Energy Department officials as they seek to advance clean energy goals.
Sources: Department of Energy
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Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
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.