Alex Bruno
The inventor of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, doesn’t seem very interested in the long-term applications of fusion energy, the fantastical idea of fusing atoms under harsh conditions to generate clean energy. But the long-awaited goal is still years away from being realized. Elon Musk has the following to say regarding fusion power.
The world’s wealthiest man is not pleased by the logistics and expense of the procedure, despite the fact that the idea may resolve numerous climatic difficulties. The billionaire said in a tweet that fusion would be costly energy due to the difficulties in locating and transporting source material as well as maintaining the reactor. It would be more preferable to utilize the Sun, a thermonuclear reactor that doesn’t need maintenance or refueling.
Plans By Musk Point To A Greener Future But he is right!
No matter how much scientists and researchers support fusion energy, they have failed to solve the problem since, after decades of study, existing reactors still need significantly more power to start than they can produce. Elon Musk believes that a solution to a greener future is now available.
In a subsequent tweet, Musk said that solar and wind energy, together with batteries for when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, are the main components of a sustainable energy future. “No mysterious technology is required!”
Exists Another Source of Energy Besides Fusion?
His ideas aren’t particularly surprising given that Musk’s Tesla mainly relies on solar power and battery storage technology. And whether or not there is a financial incentive, his ambition to work toward a renewable grid cannot be entirely disregarded.
Although Musk hasn’t fully dismissed the idea of fusion, he believes there are better alternatives to consider. He tweeted in 2021 in response to some MIT researchers who said their compact fusion reactor was “highly likely to function,” “It’s amazing and definitely can and should be done.” At the time, he said, “But I predict its best case will be more expensive than wind & solar (aka gigantic fusion reactor in the sky).”
Rival billionaires reject Musk’s proposal
However, Jeff Bezos and other billionaires believe those fusion reactors will lead to a more environmentally friendly future. There were rumors that Bezos invested in General Fusion, a Canadian fusion energy business, last year. Richard Branson, the CEO of Virgin, and Bill Gates, the creator of Microsoft, have both backed fusion technology.
Fusion, a totally renewable form of energy, is supposedly closer to being realized every year, according to academics. There aren’t any notable developments to be noticed, however. We could be considering more renewable energy sources and battery storage technology if Elon Musk were in charge.
