The Development of The Tungsten Encased Nuclear Reactor

 

A new fusion record has been set by the tungsten tokamak WEST. The development of tungsten encased nuclear fusion reactors could become a more efficient method of energy generation. The device located at the Princeton Physics Plasma Laboratory was able to hold hot fusion  plasma at 50 million degrees Celsius for six minutes. In order to generate power for a grid, the plasma has to be hot and dense. If the research continues, there might be fusion reactors that will be commercially available. The efforts of the Coordination on International on Long Duration Operation have produced favorable results.  Prior to this experiments did utilized graphite titles. The device that used that material was the Tore Supra. Tungsten is favorable because it retains less fuel. However, the limitation is that it cane make the plasma cool. Keeping a certain amount of heat is needed for energy generation. Technological barriers and physics challenges do prevent fusion reactors from being used for power. Tokamak WEST will require more adjustments to be able to be connected to a large power grid. The tungsten walls are going to be the most important development in nuclear technology. As fusion reactors advance further, considerations for tungsten mining should be made. China, the United Kingdom, Rwanda , Vietnam, and Russia are going to have to increase tungsten mining. These countries are the major producers of the element. Production would have to increase dramatically if fusion reactors are going into regular use. At the moment the machinery requires more advancement. The news demonstrates that fusion reactors are not theoretical. The devices have reached a phase of applied science.  

The Nuclear Energy Summit

 

The Nuclear Energy Summit has opened in Brussels. The summit is the first of its kind seeking to expand nuclear power. Europe was for a time focusing on the expansion of renewable energy. This comes as a reversal of policies that were proposed a decade ago. Demonstrations against the summit expressed concerns from environmentalists. Nuclear power does produce waste, which must be stored in other areas. Unless there is a serious discussion about fusion reactors, the summit will not be effective. Nuclear fusion reactors could generate power and reduce waste. Environmentalists note that more nuclear reactors will not protect the climate. The expansion of nuclear power plants is about energy independence for Europe. The Russia-Ukraine War made EU countries realize how vital this is. Another aspect is that nuclear energy business sector wants to remain relevant. Solar, hydropower,  and wind power technology could get much cheaper, which means it would be more difficult for nuclear to compete. The move away from nuclear power was sparked by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.According to IAEA nuclear energy accounts for less than 10 % of global energy generation. France remains the leader in nuclear energy. An estimated 66.66 % accounts for its energy generation. A total of 30 countries are attending the summit in Belgium. The proposals are designed to phase out fossil fuels, which using nuclear energy as a substitute. The objective is to triple nuclear energy. This is dependent on the amount of uranium available. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Canada, and Namibia are going to have more importance to the nuclear energy industry. Those countries have uranium mines, but it is not clear if the can keep up with a surge in demand. The goal is to reduce emissions by 2050 , but certain factors could prevent this summit target. The Nuclear Energy Summit has been controversial with activists concern about negative effects to public health and the environment.    

The First Hoverbike Shown To The Public

 

The world's first hoverbike has been invented. The technology was the product of Aerwins. The capabilities are somewhat limited. The total speed the hoverbike can reach is 62 miles per hour. This can only remain in flight for 40 minutes. The hoverbike will not be replacing the motorcycle at the moment . Then the price makes it out of range for most of the public. The hoverbike by Aerwins costs up to $ 777,000. The name of this hoverbike is called Xturismo. The goal is to make a smaller model and an electric version. The schedule for release is set for 2025. Japan has simultaneously been building hoverbikes. Aerwins plans to produce 200 more Xturismo hoverbikes. While their application can go beyond just mere transportation, there are some concerns. Law enforcement could easily abuse this technology. The hoverbike could be designed for military use. That should not be the intent of the technology. Using them for a racing sport or search and rescue operations would be preferable. A hoverbike might be a better option than a car. The challenge would be related to regulating traffic. Certain companies want to invest in an air taxi service. Airlines have interest in the development of an air taxi service. The hoverbike is in an earl development stage. It takes time to develop technology and perfect engineering. 

Kenya's Olkaria Geothermal Project

 

Kenya is becoming a leader in geothermal energy. The Olkaria Geothermal Project seeks to add another power plant. This will be called the Olkaria IV. Geothermal energy is a billion dollar industry providing power to various countries in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. Next to solar, this energy source is the most abundant. The problem is much of the geothermal energy has not been tapped into. The countries that take the opportunity to do so will be in a better economic condition. At some point there will be a rush to get access to geothermal drill sites. Deep inside Earth, there is massive amounts of heat. The heat from the core of the Earth can reach the surface. It must go through the mantle and crust. Due to the shifting of the Earth's plates the heat can escape and be used for power stations. The Great Rift Valley is an area where plates are breaking up. That makes it a perfect spot for geothermal technology development. Kenya still struggles to get electricity to every household. The Olkaria Geothermal Project has the potential to reverse this. However, expansion should not come at the cost of farmers who have gotten displaced by the project. Energy and agriculture are important to Kenya's long term economic health.