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Nature 412, 775-776 (23 August 2001) | doi:10.1038/35090666

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Fast track to fusion energy

Michael H. Key

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Nuclear fusion could solve the world's energy problems, but its potential remains untapped. Can a new way to ignite a tiny ball of high-density fuel make the dream come true?

California's recent energy shortage has highlighted the potential fragility of the energy supply in a world of increasing economic activity. The reservoir of fossil fuels will eventually be exhausted, but even if it were limitless, global warming from CO2 emissions makes reliance on fossil fuels perilous.