Auf der ganzen Welt konkurrieren Unternehmen darum, wer den ersten kommerziell nutzbaren Kernfusionsreaktor bauen kann. Auch deutsche Startups sind im Rennen, unterstützt von Großkonzernen und Privatinvestoren.
https://www.dw.com/en/global-firms-and-german-startups-compete-in-realizing-nuclear-fusion/a-77772842
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The world’s appetite for energy continues to grow, driven not least by the electrification of the economy. Data centers — which are essential for artificial intelligence (AI) — have significantly fueled this demand. Nuclear fusion appears to be the ideal solution. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by 2050, the fusion energy sector could be worth more than $350 billion (€307 billion).
The principle is that light atomic nuclei fuse together, forming new elements and releasing energy in the form of heat. This heat can be used to generate electricity regardless of the weather, with a secure supply, without fossil fuels and without greenhouse gases. Unlike conventional nuclear fission, which generates energy by splitting atomic nuclei, the risk of an accident in nuclear fusion is very low, and no radioactive waste is produced.
For decades, when it came to nuclear fusion, attention focused primarily on large-scale, government-funded projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER. Thirty-five countries — including EU member states, the United States, Russia and China — are collaborating to build an experimental reactor in southern France. However, since construction began in 2007, costs have skyrocketed, while completion has been repeatedly delayed. Commissioning is currently scheduled for 2034–36.