U.S. scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have achieved net energy gain in a fusion reaction for the second time since December, according to a spokesperson from the lab. The breakthrough was achieved in an experiment conducted in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on July 30, producing a higher energy yield than in the previous experiment. Final results are still being analyzed.
In December 2022, Lawrence Livermore achieved a net energy gain in a fusion experiment using lasers. The scientists focused a laser on a target of fuel, causing two light atoms to fuse into a denser one and releasing energy. This experiment, known as fusion ignition, generated 3.15 megajoules of energy output after the laser delivered 2.05 megajoules to the target. In other words, it produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it.
The Energy Department hailed this achievement as a major scientific breakthrough that has been decades in the making. It is expected to pave the way for advancements in national defense and the future of clean power. Fusion, which powers the sun, has been a subject of research for many years, and successfully developing it on Earth could have significant implications for curbing climate change.
The recent progress in fusion energy research brings hope for the commercialization of this technology in the coming decades. The ability to scale up fusion power could revolutionize the energy industry and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is continuing its research and analysis to further advance fusion energy and explore its potential applications.
