Author: Fission Today

George Tynan followed a nonlinear path to fusion.Following his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, Tynann’s work in the industry spurred his interest in rocket propulsion technology. Because most methods for propulsion involve the manipulation of hot ionized matter, or plasmas, Tynan focused his attention on plasma physics.It was then that he realized that plasmas could also drive nuclear fusion. “As a potential energy source, it could really be transformative, and the idea that I could work on something that could have that kind of impact on the future was really attractive to me,” he says.That same drive, to realize the…

Celebrate the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons with us! Help spread the word that this treaty is the antidote to doomsday, and a clear plan to get rid of nuclear weapons. We’ve put together some photos and sample texts to help you get friends and family involved!  Graphics: Invite people to join your Ban Treaty Celebration Celebrating the Nuclear Ban is a way to get motivated for a big year ahead and is much more fun with friends. Invite your friends, family, colleagues and community to join you with one of the graphics below:   Captions Social media posts…

First, we validated and calibrated the models using real roof temperature and solar energy yield data from roofs in Zürich, Switzerland. Then, we applied them to 13 cities with different climates, from the consistently warm and humid conditions of Singapore to the seasonal extremes of Montreal. For each city, we ran simulations for current conditions and a future climate scenario (year 2090), based on a high-emissions trajectory, assuming greenhouse gas emissions continue at present levels. This allowed us to see how climate change might affect solar panel performance on different roof types. By comparing the results across roof types, cities,…

The artificial intelligence models that turn text into images are also useful for generating new materials. Over the last few years, generative materials models from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have drawn on their training data to help researchers design tens of millions of new materials.But when it comes to designing materials with exotic quantum properties like superconductivity or unique magnetic states, those models struggle. That’s too bad, because humans could use the help. For example, after a decade of research into a class of materials that could revolutionize quantum computing, called quantum spin liquids, only a dozen material…

The past week in nuclear-related news TOP STORIES. Decades of Global Drone War Made Trump’s Caribbean Killing Spree Possible Nuclear power is inherently colonialist and unjust. Trump’s ‘End of History’ Moment. Does Britain really need nuclear power? Sizewell C — the last of its kind. After theFirst 70,669 Deaths Chris Hedges: Rebranding Genocide. Israel Apologists Hasten To Use Bondi Shooting To Attack Anti-Genocide Activists. Climate, Arctic endured year of record heat as climate scientists warn of ‘winter being redefined. Noel’s notes. Ethics matter more than ever – even in Israel., AUSTRALIA . H&B Defence and Curtin University launch nuclear training partnership for…

Efficiency energy rating concept. Ecological house with low consumption on renovation with insulation.Sustainable development and eco house This is Blog #4 on this this topic that will look at two issues.  First, where is the line between what is preempted and what is not under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA)? This will look at rules of thumb and focus on examples at the state and local level.  Second, when local, state, or federal authority to regulate emissions from appliances is used, how is it harmonized with the EPCA and are there potential conflicts?  This will look at what…

At the center of nuclear reactors across the United States, a new type of chromium-coated fuel is being used to make the reactors more efficient and more resistant to accidents. The fuel is one of many innovations sprung from collaboration between researchers at MIT and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) — a relationship that has altered the trajectory of the country’s nuclear industry.Amid renewed excitement around nuclear energy in America, MIT’s research community is working to further develop next-generation fuels, accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), and enable the first nuclear reactor in space.Researchers at MIT and INL…

The challenge for system operators and planners to rapidly transform the energy system is enormous. It is unsurprising that they do not want to be deflected from the task at hand. However, the European Commission and Member State governments must be clear about what needs to happen and be laser focused on ensuring success. This includes challenging the ability of system operators to deliver. Failure to deliver effectively is a problem and, in some circumstances, institutional reform may be the best solution to that problem. The UK has already gone down this path by creating an independent energy system operator and…

Evergy’s rate case has been resolved with a unanimous agreement from interveners/stakeholders, including CEP. The net increase of $74 million will result in an average monthly bill increase of $4.64 for residential customers in Evergy’s Kansas Central territory. In July 2023 Evergy filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), requesting a net rate increase of $204 million for Kansas Central customers and $14 million for Evergy Kansas Metro customers. In September 2023, CEP joined the other interveners and stakeholders in unanimously agreeing upon the terms of the Evergy rate case settlement. From kcc.ks.gov:  “The Evergy Central service area includes…

MIT professors Zachary Hartwig and Wanda Orlikowski exemplify a rare but powerful kind of mentorship — one grounded not just in intellectual excellence, but in deep personal care. They remind us that transformative academic leadership starts with humanity. Whether it’s Hartwig’s ability to bring engineering brilliance to life through genuine personal connection, or Orlikowski’s unwavering support for those who share in her mission to create meaningful impact, both foster environments where people, not just ideas, can thrive. Their students and colleagues describe feeling seen, supported, and encouraged not only to grow as scholars, but as people. It’s this ethic of care, of…