The amount of energy at the centre of stars is phenomenal. This energy is a result of a reaction that converts hydrogen atoms into helium atoms. The reaction is caused by immense pressure and extreme temperatures. This is known as ‘fusion energy’.

The science

There are four known states of matter: solids, liquids, gases, and plasma. Plasma is the state achieved by subjecting gases to extreme temperatures. Due to the super-high temperatures, almost the entire mass of the universe is in the plasma state.

To generate fusion energy, scientists have to first create a vacuum that is equivalent to outer space. This is done by building a steel chamber.

Hydrogen gas is then added to the chamber, with the particles being charged in order to produce an electric current. They are then surrounded by, and contained with, an electromagnetic force. At this point, the hydrogen is a plasma. This plasma is then heated to around 100 million degrees, which causes the fusion energy to be released.

RAICo

RAICo stands for the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration. This UK-based alliance consists of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, and the University of Manchester. Specialist collaborations such as https://raico.org are investigating how AI can play a significant role in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.

Using remotely operated solutions, robotics, and AI, can significantly reduce the risk to human operators by removing them from harmful environments.

Fusion energy advantages

Fusion energy has some exceptional advantages over other forms. Unlike burning coal or gas, fusion reactions do not generate greenhouse gases. Even on earth, hydrogen is an abundant and almost limitless fuel source.

Because the fusion reaction creates significant amounts of electricity, it could be deployed at large scale and used to power entire cities.

Fusion energy is considerably safer than nuclear power, as there is no risk of a catastrophic meltdown.

Challenges

As well as the scientific challenge of having to replicate a constantly burning star, other challenges include the high cost of infrastructure and research, and differing political approaches to energy.