Nuclear Fusion

Hot Science

By: Sharon Ann Holgate

Narrated by: Lorna Bennett

Since the 1950s, scientists have attempted to harness nuclear fusion—the process that creates the Sun's energy—to generate near-limitless amounts of electricity.

But the fact that we still have no fusion power plants is testament to the complexities of the challenge. Now, the deepening climate crisis means that researchers around the world are in a race to create a mini-Sun here on Earth. The glittering prize is an energy source that emits no greenhouse gases and could solve energy equity and supply issues at a stroke.

Sharon Ann Holgate, a former Young Professional Physicist of the Year, tells the compelling story of the ongoing scientific quest for a revolutionary new era of green-energy production.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Sharon Ann Holgate (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Very good Summary

Very good description of the status of fusion development and the challenges. Reminded me that we are many years away from making it a reality.

Good for all audiences

Good overview of the history and current state of this technology. Not overly technical, so very accessible.

Good overview of fusion developments and prospects

I listened to this audiobook to hear about recent developments in fusion technology. The books started with some basic history of physics and the fundamentals of fusion. All these concepts were already familiar to me, but I believe this introduction would be accessible to a broad audience. The book goes on to outline the main past, current, cand future concepts for potential fusion reactors for commercial energy production (with a brief diversion concerning fusion in spacecraft engine concepts), covering national, international, and private enterprise projects. The discussion was quite UK-centric; understandable given the author and the significant role the UK has played in this area of research, but it's something that some listeners might not expect. Overall, this was a good and accessible summary, but if you are looking for deep discussions of specific reactor designs or detailed description of the physics, this is not the place. I also found the narration jarring at times. The narrators sometimes seemed to be reading the text for the first time, with stressed pauses is odd places and some glaring mispronunciations.

Good information on fusion physics and the current status of the technology

Good information on fusion physics and the current status of the technology. The current status will become dated, but the physics description is timeless and is well presented.