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Is this superconducting tape the secret to nuclear fusion? - Interesting Engineering

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Is this superconducting tape the secret to nuclear fusion?

A special new tape could make small, efficient nuclear fusion reactors possible

A revolutionary new high-temperature superconducting tape could lead to the development of small, efficient tokamak nuclear fusion reactors.

| Jul 24, 2023 07:46 AM EST

Created: Jul 24, 2023 07:46 AM EST
Image of some of the spools of tape to be used in the Sparc reactor. GRETCHEN ERTL/CFS/MIT PLASMA SCIENCE AND FUSION CENTER

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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