Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory are working on a special coating for the fusion reactors of the future, the so-called fusion blanket. This component performs several important tasks at the same time: it helps obtain tritium from lithium, which is needed for the reactor to operate, converts the energy of neutrons into heat to generate electricity, and protects the reactor’s internal systems from destruction. The development of the blanket is an important step in combating climate change, as fusion energy could become an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and help get rid of hazardous nuclear waste.
The project is being implemented under a U.S. Department of Energy program aimed at creating a closed-loop production cycle for fusion fuel within the next ten years. To speed up their research, the scientists are using existing nuclear fission facilities at Idaho National Laboratory, which helps significantly reduce costs. Idaho National Laboratory has been selected by the U.S. government among six leading research centers to spearhead the development of fusion technologies.
Unlike nuclear fission, fusion produces virtually no long-lived radioactive waste, offering the prospect of safe and sustainable energy supplies. The advantages of fusion energy include huge reserves of affordable fuel, no long-lived waste, and minimal environmental impact. Among its biggest disadvantages are the high cost of initial development and technological difficulties related to plasma confinement.
In the future, fusion power plants will be able to considerably reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide stable energy supplies, especially in combination with smart energy systems. U.S. officials recognize that the successful development and implementation of a fusion blanket largely depend on effective international cooperation combining the resources and scientific potential of various countries.
