We are living in a time of extraordinary change. At the beginning of the 19th century, people primarily relied on horses for transportation. Today, we drive cars on asphalt roads at speeds of several hundred kilometers per hour or even fly across entire continents in just a few hours. This week, we would like to remind you that the development of new technologies has repeatedly demonstrated its profound impact on our lives and deliver a researcher’s point of view about funding in public research.
Fusion energy is often the subject of a recurring joke: “it’s always 30 years away.” However, this perception fails to recognize the fundamental principles and long-term benefits that technologies like nuclear fusion promise. Whether a functional nuclear fusion reactor is achieved in 20, 30, or 100 years is secondary to the immense potential benefits it offers in long term. Public research funds are, and should be, primarily allocated to long-term projects with significant potential benefits that are not immediately economically viable. Pursuing technology that can potentially satisfy our long-term energy needs is always worthwhile. Even if an experiment takes an additional decade or some projects fail completely – if just one succeeds, it could change the world in a profoundly positive way.
Recent progress clearly shows that the race to fusion has begun. It is time to pool our resources and combine public with private funding to achieve one goal: finding a sustainable long-term energy solution. Research should not only address today’s challenges but also provide technological perspectives for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is in our human nature to discover and develop novel solutions to challenges that seem insurmountable. By continuing to invest in and support nuclear fusion research, we are making the right choice for the future of humanity, no matter the time frame.
“During my PhD project, I learned that engineering challenges are often limited by resources. To build a successful nuclear fusion industry, we need public and private investments, prioritizing the greater good over profit. It’s our generation’s duty to ensure future generations’ survival and well-being. We must establish the technology first before debating its use. Developing nuclear fusion technology is our responsibility to provide a viable energy option for the future.”
– Alexander Lau
Find Alexander Lau on LinkedIn and X: @LauAlexander164.
