Fusion energy has long been seen as a possible solution to ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say they are nearing a technological milestone that could bring us a step closer to realising this goal that has eluded scientists for decades. They have begun testing an extremely powerful magnet that they hope will be able to create the immense heat necessary to create the world’s first viable fusion reactor.  







Fusion energy would be much safer than traditional atomic energy. It uses hydrogen isotopes which are less dangerous, and also more plentiful, than the uranium used by current nuclear plants. Commonwealth’s new magnet is a crucial component in a compact nuclear fusion reactor called ‘Tokamak’ that uses magnetic forces to compress plasma until it is hotter than the sun. Using a more powerful magnet means that the reactor can be much smaller and more efficient. This new magnet is designed to be twice as strong as those used in the EU fusion project being built in Cadarache, France. It has the potential to generate just as much power with just 5% of the size. The first tests of the Tokamak reactor are planned for 2025.