Why Aren't We Using Nuclear Fusion To Solve Our Energy Crisis?

We aren’t using nuclear fusion to generate power yet because it is incredibly difficult to sustain a fusion reaction. The energy requirements are very high, and it is hard to find materials that can withstand such high temperatures.

For fusion to occur, you need a temperature of at least 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. That’s slightly more than 6 times the temperature of the Sun’s core. It should be noted that experimental fusion reactors do exist – and work! – but they consume way more power than they produce, which basically defeats the purpose of generating power using fusion.

Last but not least is the obligatory money problem. Anything related to nuclear power is usually considered a tough idea to sell to the masses. Betting on nuclear fusion is akin to making a multi-billion dollar investment with no guarantee of success.