Fusion in an energy perspective 1.

	*Fusion in an energy perspective*
Index What is Fusion? Fusion in an energy perspective. Fusion research in Sweden and Europe. Experimental research at the Alfvén Laboratory. Theoretical research at the Alfvén Laboratory. Courses & Info. More fusion sites. Internal info.	The present world energy production is about 3*10^20 Joule/year, or 10 TW. Each year it increases by 1.6% on average (graph). Energy production is primarily based on fossile fuels (oil, coal and gas). The fossile fuel supplies will be exhausted in the near future (graph). Both "Business as usual" and "best plausible hope" scenarios lead to a supply shortage around the year 2030 (graph). The use of fossile fuels should preferably be reduced before this time because of the enhanced greenhouse effect and air pollution. Renewable energy sources (solar, wind and wavepower, hydropower, biological fuels and geothermical power) cannot replace the fossile fuels on their own. Even if the cost of electricity (COE) was reduced to todays average levels, land area in the western world would not suffice. In conclusion, all known energy sources are problematic in the perspective of supplying large quantities of energy for the world.(table). Thus there is a need for developing new safe and enviromentally friendly energy technologies. Fusion has the potential of becoming one of these.

Fusion in an energy perspective

Index

What is Fusion?

Fusion in an energy perspective.

Fusion research in Sweden and Europe.

Experimental research at the Alfvén Laboratory.

Theoretical research at the Alfvén Laboratory.

Courses & Info.

More fusion sites.

Internal info.

The present world energy production is about 3*10^20 Joule/year, or 10 TW. Each year it increases by 1.6% on average (graph).

Energy production is primarily based on fossile fuels (oil, coal and gas). The fossile fuel supplies will be exhausted in the near future (graph).

Both "Business as usual" and "best plausible hope" scenarios lead to a supply shortage around the year 2030 (graph).

The use of fossile fuels should preferably be reduced before this time because of the enhanced greenhouse effect and air pollution.

Renewable energy sources (solar, wind and wavepower, hydropower, biological fuels and geothermical power) cannot replace the fossile fuels on their own. Even if the cost of electricity (COE) was reduced to todays average levels, land area in the western world would not suffice.

In conclusion, all known energy sources are problematic in the perspective of supplying large quantities of energy for the world.(table).

Thus there is a need for developing new safe and enviromentally friendly energy technologies. Fusion has the potential of becoming one of these.

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