NIF reaches fuel energy gain for the first time

[Nerroth]

As noted here, the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, California reports that it has managed to extract net energy from the fuel fed into its efforts at controlled nuclear fusion.

Ignition is still a way off. But might this step move that day a step further away from "if" and that much closer to "when"?

 

[sojourner]

So now fusion powerplants are 19.98 years away instead of 20.

 

[gturner]

To the contrary. I just pre-ordered a Mr Fusion on Amazon.

 

[Yminale]

So now fusion powerplants are 19.98 years away instead of 20.

NIF is so technically complex they may never reach economic break even. My money is on ITER with Polywell being the dark horse.

 

[sojourner]

So now fusion powerplants are 19.98 years away instead of 20.

NIF is so technically complex they may never reach economic break even. My money is on ITER with Polywell being the dark horse.

Hence my snarky comment on how soon.

 

[Yminale]

So now fusion powerplants are 19.98 years away instead of 20.

NIF is so technically complex they may never reach economic break even. My money is on ITER with Polywell being the dark horse.

Hence my snarky comment on how soon.

Well ITER will probably reach economic break even in 19.98 years so your statement maybe prophetic.