There
was a time when it seemed like the only people talking about fusion energy were
the LaRouchers. Remember Fusion magazine?
Despite their interest, many scientists still believe nuclear fusion (as
opposed to conventional nuclear fission) is a realistic goal. A multi-national
consortium has sunk billions of dollars and Euros into an experimental sun-like
reactor, yet some grubby start-up might just scoop them with something smaller
and weirder looking. The scientists, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs working to
solve the fusion problem explain their vision in Mila Aung-Thwin & Van
Royko’s documentary, Let There Be Light (trailer here), which screens
during the 2017 Camden International Film Festival.
The
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is so huge, the
construction team likens it to cathedrals that took generations to construct.
It is a multinational, intergovernmental partnership of the U.S., EU, Japan,
South Korea, China, India, and Russia, so it is likely to run past its
deadlines and over budget. Nevertheless, many consider it our best chance to
develop truly clean and sustainable energy for future generations.
To
Michael Laberge of General Fusion, that is all very well, but anything that cost
tens of billions to produce and lifetimes to construct will never become a
practical energy source. The prototype his team is working on would be much
more scalable. That’s him, standing in front of its jutting turbines. Yet, the
slightly mad Eric Lerner and his storefront Focus Fusion might be the dark
horse to watch. We will see him sell shares in the company to his landlord,
which definitely should count as an accomplishment.
The
upside of fusion is truly revolutionary, but if ITER fails, it could very well poison
the well for fusion research for decades. These are high stakes, but Aung-Thwin
and Royko are much more interested in the science. Yet, there is a real horse
race going on, with no guarantee every rider will reach the finish line.
Still,
the enthusiasm of the scientists is refreshingly engaging. To their credit,
they are able to explain some big concepts in lucid layman’s terms. At one
point, the American representative to ITER likens the project to the Apollo
Moon landing effort, but there is no public face making fusion’s case in the
media, unless you count this film.