Nuclear power is the modern-day source of electricity in most developed countries. The power is harnessed from nuclear fission or fusion of uranium and plutonium in nuclear power plants.
In layman’s terms, nuclear fission entails how atoms split apart and form other smaller atoms. When this happens, energy is released, and this is the popular way of producing electricity. On the other hand, nuclear fusion is simply a process whereby atoms fuse to create a more heavy nucleus with the release of energy. All these processes take place in a nuclear power plant [Source].
Nuclear power is used to provide electricity for many settlements and is sufficient in doing so. Also, nuclear power is the source of energy used in powering spaceships utilized for space exploration. It is done with the radioisotope power systems in space crafts, and this form of power has been deemed ”safe, reliable, and maintenance-free, which is why it has been used for decades by spaceship organizations. Nuclear power is also vital in the medical diagnosis and treatment sectors. The medical officials use ”nuclear medical imaging,” which combines radioisotopes and camera imaging. Physicians mainly use this to locate tumors or any other body anomalies. Doctors utilize radioisotopes to kills cancerous tissues, reduce the size of tumors, and lessen pain in their patients. In addition, radioisotopes can be used to trace chemicals in a lot of materials and control insects that destroy crops. Some farmers use radioisotopes to irradiate farm produce to kill harmful organisms, and it does not alter the nutritional elements of the food [Source]. Given the abundant benefits of nuclear power, having one in a country is a colossal achievement economically.
General Fusion, a Canadian company based in Burnaby-Canada, is one of the most advanced companies making progress using nuclear power. Michael Laberge founded the Company. Embedded in their vision is a power stance states that “Clean Energy. Everywhere. Forever.” The main objective is to utilize energy from processes that are not harmful to the atmosphere and endanger people’s lives when they breathe in the polluted air. The Company’s mission statement notes that General fusion “is transforming the world’s energy supply with clean, safe and abundant fusion energy.” Thus it aims to spread its safe energy to all the countries to enjoy the benefits of nuclear power. The general plan for the Company is to develop a commercial and viable fusion power plant, so the name ”General Fusion’Fusion’ tells the whole story of establishing ”fusion plants”.
And it seems like General Fusion got a boost in their plan to spread the ”gospel” of safe energy after billionaire Jeff Bezos pledged to back them up. Jeff Bezos, an American businessman and CEO of Amazon, has partnered with General Fusion to build a large-scale nuclear fusion plant in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) agreed to enter into a partnership with General Fusion to build a fusion plant at UKAEA’sUKAEA’s Culham Campus. Culham is also the UK territory for fusion research programs. The terms of the agreement give General Fusion the power to build and operate its Fusion Demonstration Plant (FDP). The FDP will show the General Fusion’sFusion’s proprietary Magnetized Target Fusion. The FDP is the first commercial plant that is going to be built by the Company.
Jeff Bezos and then-wife MacKenzie Bezos at The 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, CA. (Photo: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX)
The construction of this nuclear plant is estimated to cost around $400 million, and it is expected to begin operations by 2025. Jeff Bezos comes in as an investor since these plans need a substantial financial feed, hence collaborating with a billionaire. The UK government also injected some funds so that the plant will be built. The UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway noted that the plant would boost their plans of also developing a fusion industry in the UK. The Minister also stated that the plant’s construction is an opportunity for job creation in the UK, so it is a welcomed development by the citizens [Source].
In a press statement released on the General Fusion’sFusion’s website [Source], the Company was delighted to work with the UKAEA in fusion science research. The company officials cited that fusion is the future of energy, which means that Jeff Bezos has enabled the first steps towards the world of clean energy supply through nuclear fusion plants.
