Washington DC: US researchers have made a scientific breakthrough that they believe could be crucial in solving the world’s energy shortages. Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have made it possible for the first time to produce energy through nuclear fusion. International media reports that the US Department of Energy will make an official announcement in this regard on Tuesday.
Current nuclear reactors produce energy through the process of nuclear fission. This is the process by which a molecule breaks down and releases energy. Meanwhile, nuclear fusion is the way energy is produced in the Sun. A large amount of energy is also released in this process of fusion of more than one nucleus. Researches are going on to utilize solar energy.
The biggest difference is that nuclear fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste. It is called ‘clean energy’. Experts point out that there is a possibility to avoid dependence on fossil fuels in the future. At the same time, it may take years to develop new inventions that can be used for energy purposes.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will announce the new achievement on Tuesday. Scientists around the world have been researching energy production through nuclear fusion for ages. European countries and China are active in this field.