Our Vision for the Open Fusion Collective
A critical and constructive spokesperson for the human side of fusion
Fusion energy is often seen as a purely scientific and technological challenge, but it is deeply human too. The Open Fusion Collective (OFC) explores the social and ethical sides of fusion, bringing hidden questions, voices, and concerns into the conversation.
By combining critical reflection with constructive thinking, we aim to support a more responsible, inclusive and effective path toward fusion energy.
Fusion
The Science and Technology.
Unlike nuclear fission, which splits large atoms like uranium to release energy, fusion works by combining two smaller atoms, usually forms of hydrogen, into a heavier one - releasing a huge amount of energy in the process. This requires very high temperatures and intense pressure to allow the positively charged atomic nuclei to overcome their natural repulsion and fuse together.
To harness the energy produced in fusion, different technologies might be used. There are two main approaches:
Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) which uses powerful magnets to trap the plasma - the state of matter containing positively charged nuclei and electrons - in a loop. The most common device for this is the ‘tokamak’, a doughnut-shaped chamber.
Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) which uses lasers to rapidly compress a tiny fuel pellet, creating the heat and pressure needed for fusion in a very short burst.
Both approaches have different challenges, and there are a variety of technologies within each, but the goal is the same: to achieve a stable, controlled fusion reaction that produces more energy than it consumes.
If it works at scale, fusion could produce a stable, baseload source of power to complement nuclear fission and renewables like wind and solar, to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in the future.
If you want to learn more about fusion science and technology, take a look at some of the resources on the ‘Fusion?’ page.
The History.
There is a long history of research into nuclear fusion. Following the demonstration of nuclear fusion processes in the 1930s, researchers have been working to understand how to harness fusion – both for weapons and energy. Since achieving fusion is so challenging, this has encouraged international collaboration. The first of these collaborations was the Joint European Torus (JET). Then, in 1985, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) was proposed as a project that also aimed at improving international relations between the US and USSR. Today, ITER remains one of the largest international collaborations, involving the EU, US, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and India, bringing these nations together despite political challenges.
Interest in fusion as an energy source has fluctuated across time. Usually it has been tied to oil prices or global energy concerns. The 1979 oil crisis sparked more funding; the end of the Cold War saw a dip. In the last few decades, concerns around climate change and energy security have seen fusion energy gaining momentum again. And, more recently, there has been increasing involvement from the private sector.
The Human Side of Fusion
Fusion technology development is a process done by humans, for humans. That means that it has social and ethical sides, just like any other human activity. We saw it already in the section above: fusion history is filled with international collaboration on a stage of intricate geopolitical relations – social sides are immediately clear here.
But it goes further than that, because also questions of how people collaborate, what topics researchers investigate or not, what the working conditions are like for those involved, how media talks about the technology, which laws are needed to make possible – as well as regulate – the technology, what kind of role we foresee for the technology in future energy landscapes, which promises are told about fusion to politicians and public, or which historical decisions shape fusion institutions today – all that is social and ethical, and all that shapes how fusion is developed, and, ultimately, deployed.
And yet, these social and ethical sides are the most and least visible sides of fusion at the same time.
On the one hand, they are very visible: they are the people we can relate with, the societal transformations we may see in the future, and the messages we see in the media today. On the other hand, they are very invisible: they are the hidden structures and assumptions that shape decisions, the values and principles that remain implicit, and the voices unheard, the worries unshared and the topics not discussed.
And that is why the OFC exists: to be the spokesperson for these hidden social and ethical aspects.
It digs up the research and public discussion that has already been going on about the human side of fusion, as well as aims to inspire new perspectives on it – from academics, from fusion developers and researchers, and from the public.
To do this, the OFC looks at the development of fusion and its potential end product from a perspective that is both critical and constructive.
Critical
The critical perspective is focussed on assessment of fusion’s promise and identification of social and ethical risks. The mission statements of many organisations in the fusion industry centre on mitigating climate change, fostering energy security and global development. Fusion energy is a kind of ‘silver bullet’ for these challenges. However, in focusing on promise, there is a risk of ignoring potential harms and problems.
This calls for an approach that openly explores fusion’s potential social and ethical challenges. From examining whether fusion research is organised in the most resource-effective way, to investigating fusion’s role in the future energy mix based on socio-economic modelling; from looking at the working conditions of current fusion researchers, to wondering about those of the future miners of materials that fusion reactors may require; and from asking about where fusion reactors should be located, to expressing worries about potential dangers by those who may live close.
It may still take a long time before fusion becomes a reality – if we can develop it, and if we decide we want it – but the time to start thinking about these issues is now.
The decisions made today will shape the technology, its development process, and the course of society ahead.
Constructive
This is why the OFC also looks at the development of fusion and its potential end product from a constructive perspective. By collecting and communicating insights from both academics and the public, we aim to contribute to shaping a development process that is both responsible and effective, while also thinking along about pathways for successful deployment – where wondering what ‘success’ means in that context is a key question for the OFC.
There are many sources of valuable knowledge and insight, across a diverse range of backgrounds, that can support and shape the quest for fusion.
It would be a waste as humanity not to use those resources while exploring something potentially very useful, if done right.
Looking for an impression of what critical and constructive involvement could look like?
Have a look at Sophie’s article in The Conversation.
Have a look at the symposium organized by Richelle and Michiel, attended by both fusion researchers and academics working in the social sciences and humanities.
Inspired to make your own critical and/or constructive contribution?
Message us here:
Or email hello@openfusioncollective.org