How Clean Is Nuclear Fusion? A Life-Cycle Analysis
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Clean energy is the generation of energy from sources that produce virtually no carbon dioxide (CO2) or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nuclear fusion is one of our most energy-dense sources that is often described as being a clean source of energy. So, we had to ask: How clean is nuclear fusion?
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be clean energy. Throughout its life cycle, nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions or toxic byproducts. Clean energy is the generation of energy from sources that emit little to no carbon or greenhouse gas emissions.
Keep reading to learn how clean nuclear fusion is throughout its life cycle, what its carbon footprint is, what role it plays in combating climate change, and how safe or dangerous it is.
Here’s How Clean Nuclear Fusion Is
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 one of our cleanest energy technologies. Clean energy produces virtually no greenhouse gasses or any other kind of environmental pollution upon its operation.
“Clean energy: energy, as electricity or nuclear power, that does not pollute the atmosphere when used, as opposed to coal and oil”
Collins Dictionary
Given the worsening climate crisis, clean energy has to come to represent a larger share of the overall energy market.
To understand how clean nuclear fusion is, we must assess its life cycle and each stage’s carbon footprint. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more sustainable products. So, let’s have a look at the LCA of nuclear fusion!
| How clean is nuclear fusion overall | Overall, nuclear fusion is considered a clean source of energy. It produces emissions associated with the construction and decommissioning of nuclear facilities but only produces a fraction of the pollution and toxic chemicals that fossil fuels generate. |
| Building of nuclear fusion | Emissions at this stage occur when constructing the power plant and all of the components associated with it. |
| Operating and maintaining of nuclear fusion | There are very few CO2 emissions or waste products associated with operating and maintaining nuclear fusion, making this stage very clean. |
| Building back of nuclear fusion | Emissions at this final stage occur when utilizing construction equipment to decommission nuclear sites, demolish buildings, restore the surrounding land, and construct new buildings in the old nuclear power plant’s place. |
How Clean Is Nuclear Fusion Overall
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered a clean source of energy. It produces emissions associated with the construction and decommissioning of nuclear facilities but only produces a fraction of the pollution and toxic chemicals that fossil fuels generate.
How Clean Is the Building of Nuclear Fusion
The building stage of nuclear fusion includes constructing the power plant and the nuclear fusion reactor.
Nuclear fusion reactors can consist of millions of components including, but not limited to, magnets, coils, antennas, diagnostic instruments, cryopumps, thermal shields, and beam injectors, all of which have a carbon footprint of their own.
For example, the world’s largest tokamak, named ITER, is currently being built in France. Consisting of over a million components and weighing 23,00 tons, the machine will be able to maintain a temperature 10 times that of the sun’s core and will have a 500 megawatt (MW) fusion energy output power once constructed.
Emissions at this stage occur when constructing the power plant and all of the components associated with it.
How Clean Is the Operating and Maintaining of Nuclear Fusion
The operating and maintaining stage of nuclear fusion includes the process by which lighter atoms are combined or fused to create larger and heavier atoms.
Nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions or toxic byproducts, making it one of our most environmentally friendly energy sources.
One study on tokamak fusion power plants found that they emit less CO2 than photovoltaic solar systems and just about double those from nuclear fission reactors.
Emissions at this stage are associated with the operation of the mechanical equipment (e.g., pumps, beam injectors, transformers, generators, and substations) at the nuclear power plants.
How Clean Is the Building Back of Nuclear Fusion
The building back stage of nuclear fusion involves decommissioning the nuclear facility and restoring/repurposing the land.
Emissions at this stage vary based on the type and size of the nuclear facility, with larger facilities requiring more effort to decommission. Essentially, the smaller the nuclear facility, the cleaner the building back stage is considered.
Nuclear fusion produces nuclear waste when high-energy neutrons activate the walls of the plasma vessel. Upon decommissioning the facility, these walls must be temporarily stored until the radioactivity decreases enough to not be a risk.
Emissions at this final stage occur when utilizing construction equipment to decommission nuclear sites, demolish buildings, restore the surrounding land, and construct new buildings in the old nuclear power plant’s place.
What Is the Carbon Footprint of Nuclear Fusion
The carbon footprint is one of the ways we measure the effects of human-induced global climate change. It primarily focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with consumption and includes other emissions such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
“Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gasses and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period”
Merriam Webster
Nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts, making it one of our most environmentally friendly energy sources. One study on tokamak fusion power plants found that they emit less CO2 than photovoltaic solar systems and just about double those from nuclear fission reactors.
Although nuclear fusion emits little to no GHG emissions upon operation, there are emissions associated with other stages of its life cycle including manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, decommissioning, and dismantlement of materials.
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 0.18°C, or 0.32°F, for every 10 years.
How Does Nuclear Fusion Specifically Help Mitigate Climate Change
The global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere today registers at over 400 parts per million, 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 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.
How Sustainable Is Nuclear Fusion
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be sustainable energy.
“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”
Oxford Dictionary
Nuclear fusion uses readily available, abundant input materials that are found naturally or can be produced from other materials.
| How sustainable is the building of nuclear fusion | Deuterium and tritium, the building blocks of nuclear fusion, are extremely energy-dense and are more sustainable than other energy sources, such as fossil fuels. |
| How sustainable is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be sustainable because its input materials are virtually inexhaustible; therefore, we can generate the fusion reaction for many years to come. |
| How sustainable is the building back of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be sustainable because components of fusion reactors can be recycled, and fusion does not generate long-lived nuclear waste that requires long-term storage. |
How Renewable Is Nuclear Fusion
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be renewable energy.
“Renewable Energy: energy that is produced using the sun, wind, etc., or from crops, rather than using fuels such as oil or coal | types of energy that can be replaced naturally such as energy produced from wind or water”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fusion uses readily available, abundant input materials that are found naturally or can be produced from other common materials.
| How renewable is the building of nuclear fusion | This initial stage of nuclear fusion is not considered to be renewable because it involves constructing, not repurposing or reusing. |
| How renewable is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be renewable because its input materials are virtually inexhaustible and can be generated from readily available, existing materials. |
| How renewable is the building back of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be renewable because fusion reactors can be recycled, and fusion does not generate long-lived nuclear waste that requires long-term storage. |
How Green Is Nuclear Fusion
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered to be green energy.
“Green Energy: energy that can be produced in a way that protects the natural environment, for example by using wind, water, or the sun”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fusion has a low to zero-emissions profile and is a renewable resource that can have minimal, negative effects on the environment.
| How green is the building of nuclear fusion | Emissions at this stage occur when constructing the power plant and all of the components associated with it. |
| How green is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fusion | This stage is considered to be green because nuclear fusion produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions or toxic byproducts and cannot negatively harm the environment via a nuclear disaster. |
| How green is the building back of nuclear fusion | The smaller the nuclear facility, the greener the building back stage is considered. Proper storage and disposal of radioactive materials can make this phase even greener. |
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. |
Final Thoughts
Overall, nuclear fusion is considered a clean source of energy. It produces emissions associated with the construction and decommissioning of nuclear facilities but only produces a fraction of the pollution and toxic chemicals that fossil fuels generate. There are very few CO2 emissions or waste products associated with operating and maintaining nuclear fusion, making it very clean.
Nuclear fusion faces an uncertain future due to previously unresolved engineering issues. As we look towards a future powered by clean energy, figuring out how to commercialize nuclear fusion energy should be a priority because of fusion’s carbon reduction potential.
Stay impactful,
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