But they do not produce the high-quality magnetic field that confines plasmas and allows them to reach the very high temperatures required. HSX solves that problem by achieving symmetry in the magnetic field through its oddly-shaped and complex magnet coils. The plasma-confining energy is located in coils outside of the plasma itself, making it a more stable and attractive as a reactor. The device will confine plasmas in a magnetic field, at temperatures of up 10 million degrees. It is an experimental device designed to investigate the properties of plasmas and ways to exploit them.
Fusion holds tremendous promise as an alternative energy source.
The same way the sun creates energy, fusion is achieved by melding atomic nuclei of two elements under extremely high temperatures, which releases energy. A fusion reactor could be fuelled by the Hydrogen in seawater with one gallon producing the equivalent energy of 300 gallons of petrol. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.