When will fusion power be economically viable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the timeline for hydrogen fusion power stations to become economically viable. Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility and timeframe for achieving breakeven and commercial production.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the timeline for fusion power becoming economically viable, with estimates ranging from 5 to 20 years after breakeven is achieved.
  • One participant suggests that it may take 50 years for large-scale commercial production to occur, citing non-technical and scientific challenges.
  • Another participant mentions that breakeven has been projected to be 5 to 15 years away for the past 30 years, indicating skepticism about these timelines.
  • A later reply notes that breakeven may have been reached over 10 years ago, though the participant does not provide a source for this claim.
  • One participant introduces the idea that the future of fusion power may depend on the mainstream acceptance of cold fusion, adding another layer of uncertainty to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the timelines for fusion power becoming economically viable, with multiple competing views on how long it may take and the factors influencing this outcome.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "breakeven" and "commercial viability," as well as the impact of non-technical challenges on the timeline for fusion power development.

tozhan
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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
 
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I too have pondered that very question, I personally have no idea but hope to hear any info on it.
 
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.
 
agreed, i personally feel the later is more probable. :( Thanks for the info on fusion power stations.
 
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.
 
Integral said:
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.
 
Science can never be predected.

The answer depends on when will coldfusion become mainstream.
 

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