MIT Plasma Fusion Center
We visited the MIT Plasma Fusion Center and got a briefing with Christian and then got a tour!
About Iter:
ITER is a large-scale scientific experiment that aims to demonstrate that it is possible to produce commercial energy from fusion.
The Q in the formula on the right symbolizes the ratio of fusion power to input power. Q ≥ 10 represents the scientific goal of the ITER project: to deliver ten times the power it consumes. From 50 MW of input power, the ITER machine is designed to produce 500 MW of fusion power—the first of all fusion experiments to produce net energy.
During its operational lifetime, ITER will test key technologies necessary for the next step: the demonstration fusion power plant that will prove that it is possible to capture fusion energy for commercial use.
The science going on at ITER—and all around the world in support of ITER—will benefit all of mankind.
We firmly believe that to harness fusion energy is the only way to reconcile huge conflicting demands which will confront humanity sooner or later.
The issue at stake is how to reconcile the imperative, constantly growing demand of the majority of the world’s population to raise their standard of living …with the enormous environmental hazards resulting from the present energy supply …
…In our opinion, the use of fusion energy is a “must” if we want to be serious about embarking on sustainable development for future generations.
–Director-General Osamu Motojima, Opening address, Monaco International ITER Fusion Energy Days (MIIFED), 23 November 2010
Along with joining their cause to fight for funding, I wrote a letter and received this in return:
“Thank you for your email. Please know that I appreciate you taking the time to share your views on this important issue. As always, I will keep your comments and concerns in mind as this issue continues to develop in the 112th Congress. Please note that if this is an emergency or a time-sensitive issue, please contact my Boston office at 617-428-2000, and a member of my staff would be happy to help you. Again, thank you for your email. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Stephen F. Lynch
Member of Congress”