How do you explain to an eight year old what fusion is?
How many zeros are in 15 million degrees C when it comes to the sun’s temperature and how can you capture super CO2 – the new anti-hero?
On 30 May, Fusion for Energy visited Europa International School at Sant Cugat del Vallès and with a class of 25 students we decided to take a trip to the Sun. We fastened our seat belts and travelled across the universe. We flew over Neptune, Saturn, crossed the asteroid belt until we reached the Sun. We learned that the Sun is approximately 150 million km away from the Earth, 108 times bigger and made of hydrogen atoms that fuse at 15 million degrees.
‘What is fusion?’ Marc asked.
‘It’s when atoms bang with one another and release fire.
It’s energy!’ said Pauline.
So, could this happen on Earth?
We took a look from up above and spotted a continent called Europe! We flew over the 27 EU member-states and Switzerland and found out that they all participate at the biggest science project that aims to test the feasibility of fusion as energy source – ITER! We landed to Barcelona, the headquarters of Fusion for Energy, the organization for Europe’s contribution to ITER and discussed the way we produce and consume energy on a daily basis and how we could best capture CO2 and decrease its emissions.
All students took a pledge to behave as responsible citizens and promised to combat super CO2 – the new the anti-hero that shrinks every time they choose to take their bike, turn off their pc or switch off the lights.
The high-level EU politician calls for Europe to lead the way to commercial fusion.
A look at Europe’s five sectors advancing through manufacturing and assembly.
The last cryolines are onsite and their installation will begin soon.
Europe advances its two concepts through Preliminary Design Review.
A key technology mastered as F4E and Sener deliver centrifuge accelerator.
F4E and partners finalise the design of a complex plasma heating component.