Why invest in fusion when we have mature renewable technologies like wind and solar power?
Renewable technologies like wind and solar power are already being exploited. However they are only expected to account for a target value of 10% of energy generation by 2010, and perhaps 30% in the long term. For a reliable national grid there needs to be a relatively constant method for generating the base load requirements. This is currently fulfilled by fossil fuel burning power stations and nuclear fission reactors. A fusion power station would be a direct, non carbon producing alternative. The basic fuel is found in seawater and so energy security is greatly enhanced, removing the reliance on regionally based fuel sources.
