Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

j-random t1_isotzw4 wrote

Soon enough we'll have fusion power plants, and we'll be able to make as much helium as we want!

29

Khourieat t1_isov7ap wrote

The technology is just 20 years away!

46

Garlien t1_isp6ov5 wrote

We already know how to fuse helium, just not in an energy-producing way. If we were willing to accept the energy cost, we could fuse enough to keep essential systems such as MRIs online.

9

Khourieat t1_ispbq38 wrote

That doesn't seem like it'd address the cost concern, which is the only concern...

7

Garlien t1_ispn6tw wrote

If we literally run out of helium, an inefficient fusion reactor would likely be more cost efficient than mining it from outer space.

8

Efficient-Library792 t1_isqsgf9 wrote

I think you underestimate what it costs to run even an energy neutral fusion plant. There are a few around the world and they cost 10 figures to build and probably 8 to run. Amd they likely produce tiny amounts of helium

1

r4tch3t_ t1_isr2pei wrote

It used to be always 50 years away, the progress in the last few of decades has indeed shifted the time line to a perpetual 20 years now. Hopefully in the next decade or 2 we can get that down to a perpetual 10 years!

4

EdofBorg t1_isp9s2i wrote

Redditors like you to put a /s after sarcasm.

−3

VolkspanzerIsME t1_ispatif wrote

If it's well written sarcasm the /s shouldn't be necessary.

8

EdofBorg t1_issqx51 wrote

In today's Dunning-Kruger environment it is difficult to know if someone is being sarcastic or are just genuinely dumb as a post.

1

BarneyFifesSchlong t1_isozsjr wrote

We are 20 years away from fusion power plants. Of course, we were 20 years away 40 years ago too.

5

junkdumper t1_isp3rb1 wrote

At least we're building them at scale now. That's a hell of a lot closer than we were 20 years ago.

5

silverback_79 t1_ispcszt wrote

As keeper of the plane crash food stores, I ate all of the food last night because rescue will probably come in 2-3 days!

2