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FuturologyBot t1_iyepg7t wrote
The following submission statement was provided by /u/Gari_305:
From the Article
>Scientists hoping to harness nuclear fusion—the same energy source that powers the Sun and other stars—have confirmed that magnetic fields can enhance the energy output of their experiments, reports a new study.
>
>The results suggest that magnets may play a key role in the development of this futuristic form of power, which could theoretically provide a virtually limitless supply of clean energy.
Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/z927ts/government_scientists_approaching_what_is/iyek43y/
lmanvonbraun t1_iyeqhax wrote
Unless something drastically changes, they're incredibly close
savedposts456 t1_iyeslvc wrote
These NIF experiments are a dead end. I think either commonwealth fusion or helion will be the first to demonstrate net energy gain with fusion.
Kahing t1_iyeurz3 wrote
Maybe it actually was a decade away in 2012, maybe it'll be a decade away in 2032. Who knows? But if it's technologically feasible it'll happen at some point.
Kregerm t1_iyevbhv wrote
I think the part they leave out is ‘it’s a decade away…. If properly funded’
Thatingles t1_iyevz15 wrote
Perhaps another step on the road to fusion, all the experiments are helping to get there. The more data that is gathered about fusion and near-fusion conditions, the faster all the teams involved can move forward.
choptheair t1_iyew615 wrote
Yup. Been that way for 30 years.
FanOfPeace t1_iyey68y wrote
I'm trying to do some back of the envelope calculations here... what does that mean we can expect 30 years from now?
Mr_SkeletaI t1_iyezah4 wrote
This exact comment is made every. Single. Time fusion comes up
choptheair t1_iyf2ss0 wrote
They have said this same thing every few years. For the past 30 years.
Bubbagumpredditor t1_iyf476o wrote
Only a decade
Gubekochi t1_iyf6lfk wrote
A reasonable view and an acceptable explanation to the age old question "why can't we have nice things?".
Kregerm t1_iyf8jde wrote
If we funded fusion research at the same funding level as Americans spend on pornography we’d have it by now.
Harbinger2001 t1_iyf8ttg wrote
Me Skeletal’s Law: “Every Fusion Power article will have someone comment ‘it’s only 30 years away’”.
Fonky_Fesh t1_iyfbb74 wrote
OnLy TwEnTy YeArS aWaY
Gubekochi t1_iyfd39g wrote
What if we funded it like the Americans fund their military?
Gari_305 OP t1_iyek43y wrote
From the Article
>Scientists hoping to harness nuclear fusion—the same energy source that powers the Sun and other stars—have confirmed that magnetic fields can enhance the energy output of their experiments, reports a new study.
>
>The results suggest that magnets may play a key role in the development of this futuristic form of power, which could theoretically provide a virtually limitless supply of clean energy.