Ten ideas to save the planet: the nuclear option

What idea policy or technology holds the greatest promise for tackling climate change? That was the question Channel 4 News posed to the scientific community over the past few weeks.

Thanks to the extensive contacts of the Science Media Centre at the Royal Institution Channel 4 News was able to email hundreds of scientists across various fields of expertise to sound-out their opinions.

The one nuclear word that kept on coming up was “fusion”.

One in ten of the scientists who contacted us hailed nuclear as the salvation – and in particular the development of fusion technology.

Is fusion the future?
Fusion is a nuclear reaction that makes stars, such as the sun, burn. The reaction takes place when a superheated gas called a plasma reaches a stage called ignition. Hydrogen atoms then start to fuse with each other releasing large amounts of energy.

This type of nuclear reaction is widely sought after as it creates less radioactive waste than more traditional methods, such as fission. The energy produced also lasts longer and can be created in less time.

“The essential technology has to be nuclear fusion,” said Professor John Dominy from the University of Nottingham.

“Based on cost benefit and green element that comes out “conventional” sustainable technologies will not begin to save the planet.”

Prof Steve Cowley director of Culham Centre for Fusion Energy agreed.

“Without a doubt developing commercial fusion power would allow us to halt and reverse climate change. It will happen one day – clearly the sooner the better,” he said.

“The essential technology has to be nuclear fusion.” Professor John Dominy

Prof Michael Wilson from the University Warwick went as far as saying that nuclear fusion is the only option in tackling climate change.

“Everything else is currently a technological myth, a desperate hope, or a downright con trick (especially wind turbines)”, he said.

Nick Walton from the University of Portsmouth suggested using nuclear fusion as a basis for developing CO₂-free energy.

“Increase nuclear fission power whilst running down coal oil and gas power to take us up to the start of a clean, safe, fusion-powered world. Meanwhile utilising carbon capture and storage,” he proposed.

Climate change: 10 ideas to save the planet

The challenge of Iter
The biggest nuclear fusion reactor, named Iter, is currently under construction in France. The project was launched in 2006 by a global collaboration including the EU, the US, Russia, China and South Korea. The plan is to build the world’s most advanced fusion experiment within 10 years with a budget of £3.6bn.

Since its inception Iter has reportedly been dogged by spiralling costs and technological challenges.

The problem with fusion is that it is still relatively theoretical. Scientists have not yet found a way of creating and storing the kind of heat needed to create the reaction.

Fusion has been described as “trying to put the sun in a box” but, some believe, materials to make the box are yet to be invented.

Reality and development
So the world faces a tough decision affecting both environment and economy.

Should governments invest in expensive fusion which could potentially fail? Or should they stick with fission and find cleaner alternatives?

“The problem is that, every time I come into contact with fusion, it is always 50 years away!” Prof Dominy said about the problem with fusion.

“As a keen reader of the Eagle comic in the 50s and early 60s, I remember a cut away drawing of a reactor, and an article saying that it will be 50 years before we all have free electricity.

“As a student, I remember being told that fusion was 50 years away.

“In a relatively recent radio broadcast, apparently fusion is, surprisingly, still 50 years away!”

As a long-term solution fusion may hold the key to climate change – but by then will it be too late to save the planet?

Generation IV and the rise of thorium
Thorium could be an alternative.

The chemical element occurs in plentiful supply naturally and can be used as an alternative nuclear fuel to uranium, which has to endure an expensive enrichment process. The radioactive waste thorium produces slowly degrades so is believed to be safer and greener to handle.

India is currently leading the research into thorium based energy power stations. The Kakrapar-1 reactor is the world’s first prototype and is expected to meet 30 per cent of India’s electricity demands.

Generation IV reactors have also been hailed as the future of green nuclear energy.

An international task force is currently developing six reactors which they believe will be safer, sustainable, reliable, cleaner and economical.

Scientist Ian Fells said he believes Gen-IV reactors were the future because they, “use uranium 60 times more efficiently than current thermal reactors.”

“They can also be designed to both generate electricity and desalinate brackish water (water shortages around the world will become the norm), all without putting CO₂ into the atmosphere,” he added.

The growth of nuclear
One thing is for certain – nuclear is here to stay.

Earlier this month the government paved the way for a massive expansion of nuclear reactors when they proposed ten new power station sites across the UK. The ambitious plans show the transition towards clean coal and renewable sources.

“Nuclear might not be the perfect answer, but until that perfect answer comes along its one of the best options we have,” said Prof Paul Howarth from the National Nuclear Laboratory in Sellafield.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said that 9,000 jobs would be created for each new reactor built in the UK. But will there be workers qualified enough to fill the gaps?

Robin Grimes from London’s imperial college told us he thought otherwise.

“We are in great need of a new generation of nuclear engineers to replace an aging work force,” he said.

He added that although nuclear was the future what is crucial is that it is not exploited for military means.

“We need to ensure that an increase in nuclear power is not accompanied by weapons proliferation,” he warned.