Nuclear fusion within reach | Michel Laberge | TEDxKC

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Our energy future depends on nuclear fusion, says Michel Laberge. In a lab near Vancouver, Michel and his team are building a prototype fusion reactor that mimics the processes of the sun to produce cheap, clean and abundant energy.

Michel Laberge is a renowned plasma physicist and a pioneer in the research and development of fusion energy. In 2002, he founded General Fusion, which has raised $50 million and currently employs 65 people in Vancouver. The company is viewed as a leader in the pursuit of commercial fusion energy. Dr. Laberge has deep experience in electronics, computers, materials, lithography, optics and fabrication. In his work with General Fusion, he has acquired practical experience in plasma physics and with all modern plasma diagnostic techniques.

Since 2002 Dr. Laberge has been working on the General Fusion project. He has written numerous scientific papers, has been awarded 10 patents, and has nine more pending.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[HENNH]

You just gotta love this guy's enthausiasm! And the contraption he's proposing is quite possibly the most awesome machine I have ever seen. 

[dadt]

I learned a while ago that "Everything is relative". If we get nuclear fusion to produce energy for us by the end of this century, I would still call that within reach.

[AlmightySarlac]

I love this guy, he's exactly what humanity needs if it's going to see itself through the next century.

[Nivola]

I worked more than 40 years in the microelectronics business and I fully agree on the disappointment of working so hard for such a trivial results. I’m really looking forward to see the first commercially viable fusion power plant in my lifetime, that will be the real breakthrough for humanity’s

[amaraojiji]

I've hear about 'fusion soon' in my childhood book about physics. It was 30 year ago. And now my child watching YouTube about 'fusion soon'. I expect his son will watch holo-something about 'fusion soon' 30 years later...

[LikeZO]

I like how that lady is sleeping at 9:20 :P haha.

[fryncyaryorvjink]

Fusion will unlock our next giant leap. We'll finally have enough power for fast space travel, serious lasers, and of course the death of fossil fuels

[MrTheBassline]

I love this guy and what he says about fusion, and his accent accent ever more

[spacetimemalleable]

Entertaining & informative speaker. Good status report on Fusion. Everyone should be encouraging the development of fusion - the ULTIMATE Energy Source!

[mathunt]

I love these ta\lks as they make me happy for humanity.

[nraarn]

So good to see the progress made. we are eagerly waiting for this stuff.

[frankfromupstateny]

Thank God for geniuses like this man....nice video...very easy to understand. Plasma must at some level...act like a "solid" then, if hitting pistons, creates that much more heat?

[jeremiahjohnson]

just found this... coolest channel ever

[eddiegaltek]

Fusion has been promised in the next 10 years for the last 40 years!

[iamcheese]

6:42 don't lie to me, i know a death star when i see one

[ocem]

The Germans are currently constructing the Wendelstein 7-X, apparently its magnetic field has been optimized by a super computer...
Look it up!! The shape it has is awesome!
If it works, it's even cooler to think this donut will bring us all the energy we need :D

[nohotpotbetty]

Interesting talk and great delivery. Not at all boring or dry technical

[powelllucas]

As far back as 1963 I was reading stories about how fusion power would be available within 20 years. I'm still waiting.

[frisianmouve]

It wouldn't surprise me if Greenpeace starts to demonstrate against nuclear fusion because it has the word nuclear in it

[throwaway]

Gotta love it. I'd be the 1st to say we ought to be using fusion. But the date on this is 7 years ago and we're still hearing "fusion is right around the corner" and "it's within reach". I wish that were true. And no one would be better pleased than I to hear "we told you so". But I just don't think it's going to happen anytime soon.