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by zaarn 2371 days ago
Well, I would disagree, the computer comparison doesn't really hold since normal computers don't have a limited and localized supply of electrons (unless they are a laptop). It's more like arguing that a modern 4U Server has more performance than a laptop, really. Which is true.

Fusion reactors might be complex and difficult to figure out, but once it has been figured out the free market will inevitably make it cheaper.

Fuel availability is indeed a problem, IIRC the uranium reserves will hold us out for another 200 years before running out. At current energy demands. So realistically more like 100 years. Coal and oil will inevitably run out too. Sun and Wind don't produce a lot of power compared to Fusion when considering the rare earths required for the components. Fusion is just a lot more efficient and energy rich.

1 comments

The analogy of course wasn't exact, but it fits the structure of your argument, so it shows your argument was wrong.

Fuel availability is NOT a problem. There is no shortage of sunlight, or wind, or uranium (if used in breeder reactors, and why are fusion reactors, which are breeders, allowed but fission breeders are not?) The 200 year figure for uranium assumes a once-through cycle. In breeders, ores with 50-100x less uranium per unit mass of ore would be usable, because breeder get so much more energy out of each unit of uranium mined.

Oh, and please don't repeat the Rare Earth canard. Solar doesn't use rare earths, and wind doesn't have to. I think you're just repeating talking points you haven't bothered to understand.