”The major innovation in the MIT-CFS fusion design is the use of high-temperature superconductors, which enable a
much stronger magnetic field in a smaller space."
"makes it possible to achieve a higher magnetic field in a smaller device, equaling the performance that would be
achieved in an apparatus 40 times larger in volume using conventional low-temperature superconducting magnets.
That leap in power versus size is the key element in ARC’s revolutionary design”
This is exactly one step in the process described in Smil’s books about efficiency gains. A 40 times decrease in
volume
”In the decade from 2005 to 2015, average yields of maize, rice and wheat increased by around 11%. At the same time,
nitrogen fertilizer use decreased by around one-sixth. By producing more crops and needing less fertilizer, this
experiment provided an economic return of US$12.2 billion. This wasn’t achieved through major technological
innovations or policy changes: it involved educating and training farmers on good management practices.”
What is the energy problem?
Fact: A rise in GHG makes our climate unstable
The per energy death rate is highest with fossil fuels
Fact: Non renewable, it is inevitable that we must switch
This problem can only get worse as the current ‘developed’ life is reached by more developing nations. This
developed life is built on un-sustainable energy usage
Claim: There is too much of a focus on electricity. End use is either largely industrial (China), or transport (US)
Its a massively complex issue requiring a lot of work. Any area require tweaks from all angles. Example
cement. Sequester carbon, or completely change process, along with improving longevity.
Puts large stock in adoption and dispersion being important. Maybe its not always a given.
”Thus, to achieve the large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions needed to reduce the risks of climate
change, a broad portfolio of policies is required—not only to foster technological innovation, but also the
subsequent adoption of new technologies by a large range of actors including individuals, governments, and
firms of all size"
"This suggests that a significant increase in private-sector investment in R&D will be needed to develop and
commercialize new low-emission technologies to address climate change. In turn, government policies must
provide the signals and potential markets needed to stimulate private-sector investment in R&D to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.”