We know that a large part of the population is still unaware of, or has never even heard of, plasma, despite it making up around 99% of the observable Universe. It is much more present in the world of natural phenomena than one might imagine. We, human beings, exist in only 1% of this remaining matter, and it would be foolish to ignore such an obvious fact.
But what really is plasma and how important is it for the planet’s energy solution?
Let’s look at the first question: we know that any substance can exist in three basic states: solid, liquid and gas. A classic example is water, which can be ice, liquid or vapor.
When a solid substance is heated, its molecular bonds begin to break, causing the crystal lattice to fuse into a liquid. If more heat energy is applied, the bonds break even further, resulting in a gas, where the molecules are in a more energized state.
And what happens if we heat a gas in a closed container? By increasing the temperature, we increase the speed and frequency of collisions between atoms, which become more energetic. As the temperature increases, the electrons in the outermost layer of the atoms can separate from the nucleus. Thus, we form a “second gas” composed of free electrons, which increase in number as we heat further.
When the gas reaches extremely high temperatures, it contains free electrons at high speed, which collide with each other and with the walls of the container, as well as atomic nuclei stripped of their electrons. This “soup” is called plasma.
Ideal plasma, with its atomic particles completely dissociated, occurs at temperatures of several tens of millions of degrees Celsius. However, plasma does not have to be at such high temperatures; this physical state has specific properties and can occur in gases at relatively low temperatures, depending on their structure and composition.
Examples of plasma include candle flames, fluorescent lights, lightning, the aurora borealis and aurora australis, and the Sun, which is a crucial source of plasma for life on Earth. Plasma is even found in interstellar space, revealing its ubiquity.
Now, let’s get to the fundamental question: what are the advantages of nuclear fusion power generation? Nuclear fusion power generation is sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly.
Despite the controversies surrounding energy demand, data from 2021 indicate that global energy demand is growing rapidly and is expected to outstrip supply in the coming decades, especially after the depletion of fossil fuels, which may occur later this century.
In 2023, the global population is estimated to be around 8 billion people, consuming energy at a total rate of approximately 19.5 TW, which results in an average consumption of around 2.44 kW per person (data from the International Energy Agency). There is a significant imbalance in the use of energy reserves between developed and developing countries. The global population is expected to reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, so an average increase in consumption per capita would lead to an energy consumption rate of around 36 TW.
This global scenario emphasizes the need to develop new energy sources, especially renewable and sustainable ones. Technological advances obtained from research in plasma physics and nuclear fusion have promoted innovations in materials, industrial processes and new technologies, such as plasma electronics and light sources.
Currently, we still have a lot to learn about plasma physics so that fusion reactors, currently in the testing phase, can be improved and can produce electrical energy on an industrial scale, thus meeting the growing demands planned for the future.
In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the US achieved a major milestone by producing more fusion energy than was needed to start the reaction. This achievement has generated great optimism about the viability of fusion as an energy solution.
Additionally, private companies such as Helion Energy and LetsGoEnergy are developing innovative approaches using advanced plasma technology and compact fusion reactors, with plans to begin commercial-scale testing in the coming years.
In parallel, the ITER project, an international collaboration that includes countries such as the European Union, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India and South Korea, aims to build a nuclear fusion reactor that can operate on a larger scale. Considered one of the largest international efforts in the area of fusion, the project is underway and promises significant advances.
Governments, especially in the US and Europe, are also increasing funding and support for nuclear fusion research, which is essential to accelerate the transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources. In this context, studies are being carried out to develop new materials that can contain plasma and withstand high temperatures, a fundamental condition for the success of fusion reactors.
These developments reflect a period of innovation and hope in the field of nuclear fusion, with the potential to revolutionize energy production in the future.
The availability of energy is one of the essential requirements for improving the quality of life and for economic growth, with around 30% of the world economy depending on advances in the field of physics.
So what are you waiting for? Go study physics!
