The latest fusion milestone

marknorthfield · Post by **marknorthfield** » 09 Oct 2013, 21:24

'Researchers at a US lab have passed a crucial milestone on the way to their ultimate goal of...' (delete original text and insert alternatives as appropriate)

I'll go with 'securing continued funding until 2050.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24429621

It's curious how technological progress is seen as an inevitability. We're jolly well on the way to the ultimate goal, people. Look, another crucial milestone! All our energy problems are going to be solved! You knew they'd think of something, because they always do. Move along now, move along.

I'm guessing the author of the article hasn't ever read The Archdruid Report. Mr Greer has had quite a bit to say recently about the religion of progress, including a rather arresting juxtaposition of two particular images in a recent essay.

http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.u ... eaven.html

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 10 Oct 2013, 18:32

Crucial Milestone?? Haven't they even gone metric yet??

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » 10 Oct 2013, 20:08

Hands up those who have heard of a kilometrestone.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 10 Oct 2013, 20:10

A stone? A kilometrekilogram, Shirley.

biffvernon · Post by **biffvernon** » 10 Oct 2013, 23:24

'securing continued funding until 2050.'

But as we know, commercial fusion is (and always has been) 40 years away, not 37.

Tarrel · Post by **Tarrel** » 11 Oct 2013, 07:45

Interesting that the milestone in question was to exceed an EROEI ratio of 1.

Before long it'll be up there in the dizzying heights of some of the shale oil production!