Nuclear fusion breakthrough: Decades of research are still needed before fusion can be used as clean energy

A technician conducting a review at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif. (Damien Jemison/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory via AP)

The U.S. Department of Energy reported a major scientific breakthrough in nuclear fusion science in December 2022. For the first time, more energy was released from a fusion reaction than was used to ignite it.

While this achievement is indeed historic, it’s important to pause and reflect on the way ahead for fusion energy.