Fusion Power Possible in Eight Years, US Energy Chief Says

Harnessing fusion energy for electricity is possible in the next decade, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Bloomberg Television.

“I believe we will know the commercial pathway to fusion during the Trump administration,” Wright said, echoing comments he’s made previously. “Commercial electricity from fusion energy could be as fast as eight years and I’d be very surprised if it’s more than 15.”

Fusion energy, which powers the sun and stars, has the potential to produce abundant carbon-free electricity, but efforts to harness it have proved elusive. Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National ...