Currently under construction by Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens is a donut-shaped machine called a tokamak. The project is now about three-quarters complete.
This is a chamber where a nuclear fusion reaction takes place, forcing the merger of two atoms to create heat in the same way as the sun does.
If this device can produce more energy than it takes to run it, this will be a significant accomplishment. Works by scientists in the United States and Europe have made progress on this technology and have demonstrated that a net energy gain is possible.
News of such significant developments is often made known throughout a community and relevant industry with flyer printing.
Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion, feels that the ability of fusion to power heating systems and electric grids around the world will be a reality soon. He said although fusion may feel a long way off, the timeline is not dissimilar to that of some other alternative and renewable energy sources.
CEO of consulting firm Grid Strategies LLC, Rob Gramlich, said that it connecting a fusion power plant to the grid is not vastly different to connecting other types of power, with the only real difference being the technique used to heat the water.
The Devens tokamak is expected to be operational by late next year.
