Date:October 10, 2026Source:Princeton UniversitySummary:Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory may have found a dramatically more efficient route to fusion energy by reversing the traditional approach: heating plasma first, then increasing its density. Their calculations could help future reactors reach self-sustaining fusion with far less energy while avoiding hidden problems that make ignition harder.Share:
Scientists have identified a potentially much more efficient way to achieve fusion ignition, a major milestone in the quest for virtually limitless clean energy. Credit: Shutterstock
Scientists have identified a potentially much more efficient way to achieve fusion ignition, a major milestone in the quest for virtually limitless clean energy.
Scientists at the U.S.Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have identified a potentially much more efficient way to achieve fusion ignition, a major milestone in the pursuit of practical fusion energy. Their calculations suggest that changing the order in which plasma is heated and compressed could dramatically reduce the energy needed to reach a self-sustaining fusion reaction.