Ross Lecture Theatre, University of WA, 6.00pm: Today, international nuclear physicist and fusion expert, Dr Barry Green, talked to Perth about the next step in nuclear power – fusion – which he said could play a major role in solving the world’s energy crisis, and he encouraged Australia to get involved.
“As Australia launches into the nuclear power debate, those with an appetite to look to the future should also consider the role of fusion as a power source,” said Dr Green.
“Fusion is an energy source as yet untapped by man, but if successful it would provide unlimited energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions.”
“As opposed to fission where atoms are split, fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus releasing large amounts of energy,” explained Dr Green. “This is the process which powers the Sun and the stars, with the Sun being nature’s natural fusion reactor responsible for life on earth.”
“If harnessed on Earth, fusion energy would provide millions of years of base-load energy, with zero greenhouse gas emissions.”
Recently an agreement signed with countries representing more than half the planet’s population has initiated the next step to develop fusion power by building the world’s largest science experiment, the fusion energy project, ITER, to be based in France.
“ITER is a breakthrough in making fusion power a reality as this will demonstrate the viability of fusion by delivering significant power gain for significant periods of time,” said Dr Green.
“However despite fusion actually being discovered by an Australian called Marcus Oliphant, a former Governor of South Australia, and Australia playing a founding role in its development, it is not yet part of ITER,” he said.
“I believe Australia needs to get involved in the project and this is partly why I am here, to help trigger discussion prior to a major workshop with the international ITER partners to be held in Sydney, in October.”
Dr Green was directly involved in the ITER project as a member of the design team and is now working in the European Commission Directorate in Brussels, which coordinates all European energy research. During his visit he will describe the important scientific advances, challenges and the future of fusion power. People interested in attending the October workshop about this technology can do so by going to.
Published: 26/07/2006