The 2 Main Environmental Drawbacks of Nuclear Fusion: The Big Picture
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Nuclear fusion is an energy source that can help us ensure a sustainable future for generations to come but has been hindered by unresolved engineering challenges to date. It can play a vital role in mitigating climate change, yet no energy source comes without drawbacks. So, we had to ask: What are the environmental drawbacks of nuclear fusion?
The main environmental drawback of nuclear fusion is that it can negatively impact the environment because it generates nuclear waste. Overall though, nuclear fusion is still considered to be an environmentally friendly energy source.
Keep reading to find out all about what the environmental drawbacks of nuclear fusion are, how safe and dangerous it is, what its pros and cons are, and how nuclear fusion can specifically help mitigate climate change.
The Big Picture of the Environmental Drawbacks of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion, one of two ways to produce nuclear energy, is the generation of energy produced when lighter atoms are combined or fused to create larger and heavier atoms.
“Nuclear fusion: the process of joining two nuclei to produce energy.”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fusion is still in the research and development phase. There are currently no nuclear fusion reactors in operation that supply energy to our power grid.
| How Environmentally Friendly is Nuclear Fusion | Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be environmentally friendly. It has a low carbon footprint, cannot cause a nuclear accident, and does not produce long-lived nuclear waste. |
| Drawback #1: Nuclear fusion generates nuclear waste | Nuclear fusion produces low and intermediate nuclear waste when high-energy neutrons activate the walls of the plasma vessel. |
| Drawback #2: Nuclear fusion is still in the research and development phase | Most experts agree that we are unlikely to achieve large-scale nuclear fusion energy generation before 2050 because the fusion process is difficult to start, maintain, and control within a laboratory setting. |
What Are the 2 Main Environmental Drawbacks of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion generates low and intermediate levels of nuclear waste. In addition, the unresolved engineering challenges may prevent us from commercializing fusion before it is too late to save our climate.
Environmental Drawback #1: Nuclear Fusion Generates Nuclear Waste
Nuclear fusion generates low and intermediate levels of nuclear waste.
Environmental Drawback #1
Nuclear fusion produces nuclear waste when high-energy neutrons activate the walls of the plasma vessel. The walls therefore must be temporarily stored until the radioactivity decreases enough to not be a risk.
Although the initial quantity of nuclear waste is considered to be higher than that produced by nuclear fission, most of it consists of low or intermediate-level nuclear waste, which is significantly less dangerous and radioactive than high-level nuclear waste.
In addition, fusion radioactivity decreases exponentially faster than fission radioactivity because the input materials of fusion have a much shorter half-life than the input materials of fission. Tritium (used for nuclear fusion) has a half-life of only 12 years, whereas the half-life of uranium (used for nuclear fission) is 700 million years.
Nevertheless, fusion does produce nuclear waste that must be properly contained and managed so as to mitigate human and environmental exposure.
Environmental Drawback #2: Nuclear Fusion Is Still in the Research and Development Phase
Nuclear fusion is still very much in the research and development phase, and by the time we resolve these challenges, it might be too late to save our climate.
Environmental Drawback #2
Most experts agree that we are unlikely to achieve large-scale nuclear fusion energy generation before 2050 because the fusion process is difficult to start, maintain, and control within a laboratory setting.
This means that fusion is not an option for meeting the short-term climate goals laid out in The Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (C).
In order to achieve commercial energy generation, we must overcome the two main challenges to nuclear fusion:
- Maintaining the reaction and
- generating more energy from the reaction than was required to start the reaction.
This will require more research and development. But by the time we resolve these challenges, it might already be too late to save our climate.
What Are the 4 Environmental Benefits of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion has a low carbon footprint, cannot cause a nuclear accident, produces very few waste products, and protects air quality.
| 4 Environmental Benefits of Nuclear Fusion | Quick Facts |
| Benefit #1: Nuclear fusion has a low carbon footprint | Nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts, making it one of our most environmentally friendly sources of energy. |
| Benefit #2: Nuclear fusion cannot cause a nuclear accident | Nuclear fusion reactions are not based on chain reactions and therefore cannot cause a nuclear accident. |
| Benefit #3: Nuclear fusion generates few waste products | Nuclear fusion reactions do not produce CO2 emissions or long-lived nuclear wastes. |
| Benefit #4: Nuclear fusion protects air quality | Nuclear fusion produces a fraction of the pollution and toxic chemicals that fossil fuels produce, helping to protect air quality. |
How Environmentally Friendly Is Nuclear Fusion
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be environmentally friendly.
“Environmentally friendly: (of products) not harming the environment.”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fusion produces minimal emissions, cannot cause a nuclear disaster, and does not produce long-lived nuclear wastes.
| How environmentally friendly is the building of nuclear fusion | Nuclear fusion minimally impacts the environment, with emissions resulting from power plant construction. |
| How environmentally friendly is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be environmentally friendly because minimal emissions are produced, and fusion cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to construct nuclear weapons. |
| How environmentally friendly is the building back of nuclear fusion | The smaller the nuclear facility, the more environmentally friendly the building back stage is considered. It is more environmentally friendly than nuclear fission. |
How Safe or Dangerous Is Nuclear Fusion
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be minimally dangerous. Holistically and throughout its life cycle, fusion is safe and beneficial for human and animal health, the environment, and the energy grid. It is also significantly safer than fossil fuels and some other types of renewable energy.
Here’s How Safe Nuclear Fusion Is
Overall, nuclear fusion is a safe form of energy regarding human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and throughout all stages of its life cycle.
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fusion at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Nuclear fusion is considered safe due to the nature of fusion reactions and substantial precautionary measures in place. Environment: Nuclear fusion emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment, provided that proper siting of nuclear facilities and disposal of nuclear waste occurs. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Nuclear fusion is not only safe, but it is also a beneficial addition to our energy grid and supporting infrastructure. |
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fusion Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Safe work practices and proper training can mitigate the risks associated with the building stage of nuclear fusion. Operating and Maintaining: Nuclear fusion is generally considered safe to operate and maintain. Building Back: This final stage is considered to be safe overall, with the hazard of handling, containing, and disposing of radioactive reactor components able to be mitigated with proper procedures and safe work practices. |
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fusion In Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Nuclear fusion is considered one of our safest forms of energy because it is not based on chain reactions and therefore cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to construct nuclear weapons. |
Here’s How Dangerous Nuclear Fusion Is
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered minimally dangerous in terms of human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and through all stages of its life cycle.
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fusion at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Nuclear fusion is considered minimally dangerous to human and animal health due to the nature of fusion reactions and substantial precautionary measures in place. Environment: Nuclear fusion is minimally dangerous to the environment, provided that proper siting of nuclear facilities and disposal of nuclear waste occurs. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Nuclear fusion is not considered to be dangerous to our energy grid and supporting infrastructure. |
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fusion Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Common workplace hazards include those involving lifting, trips, falls, electricity, and ladders are associated with constructing nuclear facilities. Operating and Maintaining: Nuclear fusion is considered safe to operate and maintain. Building Back: Decommissioning nuclear facilities comes with risks involving direct contact with radioactive reactor components. |
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fusion in Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Nuclear fusion is considered one of our safest forms of energy because it is not based on chain reactions and therefore cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to construct nuclear weapons. |
What Are The 6 Pros and 3 Cons of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion has a low carbon footprint, cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to produce nuclear weapons, uses readily available and energy-dense materials, and generates few waste products.
However, nuclear fusion generates nuclear waste and is still in the research and development phase because it is difficult to start and maintain fusion reactions in a laboratory setting.
What Are the 6 Pros of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion has a low carbon footprint, cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to produce nuclear weapons, uses readily available and energy-dense materials, and generates few waste products.
| 6 Pros of Nuclear Fusion | Quick Facts |
| #1: Nuclear fusion has a low carbon footprint | Nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts, making it one of our most environmentally friendly sources of energy. |
| #2: Nuclear fusion cannot cause a nuclear accident | Nuclear fusion reactions are not based on chain reactions and therefore cannot cause a nuclear accident. |
| #3: Nuclear fusion cannot be used to produce nuclear weapons | Nuclear fusion cannot be used to produce nuclear reactions because it does not use fissile material and requires only a small amount of fuel. |
| #4: Nuclear fusion uses readily available and energy dense materials | In theory, it is possible to produce one terajoule of energy with just a few grams each of deuterium and tritium, which are readily available and easy to harvest. |
| #5: Nuclear fusion generates few waste products | A nuclear fusion reaction does not produce CO2 or long-lived nuclear wastes. The only byproducts are helium (an inert gas) and tritium. |
| #6: Nuclear fusion promotes energy independence and energy security | Nuclear fusion can help us transition away from fossil fuels and towards an energy-independent future. |
What Are the 3 Cons of Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion generates nuclear waste and is still in the research and development phase because it is difficult to start and maintain fusion reactions in a laboratory setting.
| 3 Cons of Nuclear Fusion | Quick Facts |
| #1: Nuclear fusion generates nuclear waste | Nuclear fusion generates low and intermediate levels of nuclear waste when high-energy neutrons activate the walls of the plasma vessel. |
| #2: Nuclear fusion is still in the research and development phase | There are currently more than 10 stellarators and 60 tokamaks in operation worldwide but no operating reactors provide energy to our power grid. |
| #3: Nuclear fusion reactions are difficult to start and maintain | The two main challenges to nuclear fusion are maintaining the reaction and generating more energy from the reaction than was required to start the reaction. |
How Effective and Efficient Is Nuclear Fusion
In terms of effectiveness, nuclear fusion effectively generates nuclear energy because it has a low carbon footprint, cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to produce nuclear weapons, and promotes energy independence and security. However, it is also still deeply in the research and development phase.
In terms of efficiency, nuclear fusion efficiently generates nuclear energy while producing very few waste products, but the fusion reaction itself is difficult to start and maintain in a laboratory setting.
Nuclear fusion is effective because:
- Nuclear fusion uses readily available and extremely energy-dense input materials.
- Nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts, making it one of our most environmentally friendly sources of energy.
- Nuclear fusion reactions are not based on chain reactions and therefore cannot cause a nuclear accident or be used to produce nuclear weapons.
- Nuclear fusion can help us transition away from fossil fuels and towards an energy-independent future.
However, a main drawback associated with nuclear fusion is that it is still very much in the research and development phase because the fusion process is difficult to start, maintain, and control in a laboratory setting.
Nuclear fusion is efficient because nuclear fusion reactions do not produce CO2 or long-lived nuclear wastes.The only byproducts are helium (an inert gas) and tritium.
However, nuclear fusion can lack efficiency because it is difficult to maintain the fusion reaction and generate more energy from the reaction than was required to start the reaction. For these reasons, fusion has not achieved commercial viability to date.
How Can Nuclear Fusion Help Mitigate Climate Change
Climate change is a severe, long-term consequence of fossil fuel combustion. If left untreated, atmospheric CO2 can remain there for tens of thousands of years and exacerbate the negative effects of climate change. Nuclear fusion emits less CO2 upon operation than fossil fuels and can therefore reduce our total emissions.
How Is Climate Change Defined
Climate change is arguably the most severe, long-term global impact of CO2. Every year, we emit approximately 37 billion tons of CO2. The carbon found in fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the air to produce CO2.
“Climate change: changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns, and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gasses, especially carbon dioxide.”
Oxford Dictionary
When carbon enters the atmosphere, it absorbs sunlight and solar radiation, trapping the heat and acting as an insulator for the planet.
Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s temperature has risen a little more than 1 degree Celsius (°C), or 2 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Between 1880-1980 the global temperature rose by 0.07°C every 10 years. This rate has more than doubled since 1981, with a current global annual temperature rise of 0.2°C, or 0.36°F, for every decade.
How Does Nuclear Fusion Specifically Help Mitigate Climate Change
The global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere today registers at 419 parts per million (ppm), the highest ever recorded. Nuclear fusion can help lower this concentration because it can replace some of the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas) with a cleaner form of renewable energy.
Estimates suggest that nuclear fusion alone could generate up to 4 times more energy per kilogram of fuel than nuclear fission and nearly 4 million times more energy than burning oil or coal. Because it is so energy-dense, a little of it can potentially offset a lot of our fossil fuel usage.
Nuclear fusion can reduce CO2 emissions, and the more we reduce CO2 emissions, the more we combat the negative effects associated with climate change including temperature rise, sea-level rise, ice melting, and ocean acidification. When these rates are slowed, the earth’s biodiversity does not have to struggle to adapt to temperature and pH changes. People will not be displaced due to the flooding of coastal areas. And icebergs will continue to provide climate regulation.
Final Thoughts
Nuclear fusion generates low and intermediate levels of nuclear waste. In addition, the unresolved engineering challenges may prevent us from commercializing fusion before it is too late to save our climate.
Environmentally friendly energy is poised to see continued growth in the future as we look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. As we look towards a future without fossil fuels, nuclear fusion can help us bridge the gap in a time of transition.
Stay impactful,
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