Despite the sensitiveness of the nuclear energy issue, we are obliged to put it on the table and address it, especially when it comes to dealing with climate change and achieving net zero carbon and fossil fuels dependence. Sensitivity to nuclear energy comes from the experience we have had to date of its use for military purposes, but also from the consequences of nuclear reactor accidents.
Changing the nuclear power generation process from fission to fusion, could potentially provide almost unlimited amounts of clean energy.
The discussion, however, is about changing the nuclear power generation process from fission to fusion, which could potentially provide almost unlimited amounts of clean energy for the world.
Nuclear fusion does not rely on fossil fuels, such as oil or gas, and does not produce any of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, so it has the potential to be a solution to both the energy crisis and climate change. It uses as fuel materials that are relatively abundant on Earth (e.g. deuterium), so if the process can be reproduced quickly and inexpensively, there is no question as to the abundance of the raw material. Also, unlike solar or wind energy, it does not depend on local weather conditions, so the yield remains constant and there are no fluctuations in energy depending on existing conditions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has described nuclear fusion as "inherently safe". In addition, the waste produced by nuclear fusion is less radioactive and disintegrates much more rapidly than that from nuclear fission and is also much easier to handle and store safely and with adequate precautions.
However the problem today is that, despite the achievements and discoveries in the laboratories so far, large-scale nuclear fusion is still several years away from widespread application and costs many billions of dollars or euros.
In any case, it seems that we cannot imagine and plan for a climate-neutral future without the contribution of nuclear energy to the energy mix. The widespread use of nuclear fusion could help countries to meet their targets for achieving 'net zero' emissions by 2050.
See more of this article in Greek at https://www.powergame.gr/scripta-manent/397572/klimatiki-oudeterotita-choris-pyriniki-energeia/