Scientists claim that nuclear fusion can be achieved using different isotopes of light elements. However, two hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium, are considered the most effective nuclear fuel for fusion devices.
Notably, the limitless clean power generated from fusion devices could be a superior way to generate emission-free power.
A conventional coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 1000 MW requires 2.7 million tons of coal per year, and the process results in massive carbon emissions. While a fusion plant with the same output would only require 550 pounds (250 kg) of fuel per year, consisting of half deuterium and half tritium.
Deuterium, which can be distilled from all forms of water, is a widely available, harmless, and virtually inexhaustible resource. Deuterium is common: about 1 out of every 6,500 hydrogen atoms in seawater is in the form of deuterium.
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