Nuclear fusion could be close enough to start blue-sky gazing

THEIASHUB
Get an Instant Call Back from Our Expert Mentors Now!
+91

Context:  The potential of nuclear-fusion technology to transform our energy calculus is enormous.

Advantages of nuclear fusion technology

  • Reap cheap clean carbon free energy: Energy thus produced can be made use for several purposes.
    • Decarbonising transportation: Fast trains and bullet trains that depends on electrical energy.
    • Desalinating water: Again uses electricity.
  • Demand for labour: As facilities become cheap more goods, need for labour and wages will increase.
  • Technological advancement: Cheap energy would make supercomputing more available, crypto more convenient, and nanotechnology more likely.
  • Reduction in coal plants: Coal plants and other polluting energy sources shall be put on to cease.

Challenges of Nuclear Fusion:

  • Applicability challenges: Eg. Usage in aircrafts. It cannot replace the fueling technology.
  • Not all emissions be checked: Eg. Methane production from livestock. With increase in landscape for cultivation the rise in bovine population leads to increase in methane production.
  • Adverse effect on fossil fuel dependent economies: Saudi and other gulf nations along with Russia would be the losers. 
  • Risk on commodity producing nations: Advancement in technology would enable nations to become self-sustained thus affecting nations whose economy depends on commodity exports.
    • Eg. China producing own soybeans will affect Brazil and Argentina. 

Way Forward

  • Produce hydrogen fuel: Fusion Technology can be used to synthesize hydrogen fuel.
  • More advanced technology: Energy would be so cheap, protective technologies—to remove methane and carbon from the air, for instance—are also likely to be more feasible and affordable.

==========================================================================================


QEP Premium 2025 (B5)
QEP Premium 2025 (B5)
Buy now
Fill out form for more details
I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

Prelims Samadhaan + Mentorship 2025
Prelims Samadhaan + Mentorship 2025
Buy now



Join theIAShub’s Mains Answer Writing Program

Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.

Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !

I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.