When will fusion power be economically viable?

[tozhan]

Can anyone here tell me how long it will be (roughly) until hydrogen fusion power stations are producing energy at economic rates? it can't be far off can it?

thx

 

[DoubleX]

I too have pondered that very question, I personally have no idea but hope to hear any info on it.

 

[Integral]

Breakeven has been somewhere between 5 and 15yrs down the road for the last 30yrs. It may wll be 15-20 yrs after breakeven is achieved before comericail plants become viable. Do not hold your breath waiting for this. Being somewhat of a pesimist I think it is about even odds that in 100yrs man kind will live in technology wonder land or the stone age.

 

[tozhan]

agreed, i personally feel the later is more probable. :( Thanks for the info on fusion power stations.

 

[PerennialII]

I'm next door to couple of fusion guys and the late estimates seem, unfortunately, the likely ones. Any sort of "large scale" (=commercial level) production 50 years, add what comes down the road and all other non-technical & scientifical problems -> really long.

 

[ShawnD]

Breakeven has been somewhere between 5 and 15yrs down the road for the last 30yrs. It may wll be 15-20 yrs after breakeven is achieved before comericail plants become viable.

While doing research for an argument on another forum, I found that the break even point was reached over 10 years ago. I wish I kept the link for it.

 

[RoboSapien]

Science can never be predected.

The answer depends on when will coldfusion become mainstream.