Space Solar Power and Fusion: Two Long Bets Compared
How does space solar power compare with fusion as a long-term source of firm, clean power?
Chapter summary
both promise firm, clean power at scale and both face long timelines, but their risks differ in kind.
Key takeaways
- 1
Fusion's main uncertainty is physics and engineering: no plant has yet produced more electricity than it consumes, though experiments have produced more fusion energy than the laser energy delivered to the target.
- 2
Space solar power's physics is proven; its uncertainties are cost, scale and assembly.
- 3
Fusion receives billions of dollars a year of public and private funding; space solar power receives a small fraction of that (Chapter 64).
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