It is a popular misconception that nuclear fusion power is free of
radioactivity; in fact, the deuterium-tritium reaction that nuclear scientists
are currently exploring with such zeal produces both alpha particles and
neutrons. (The neutrons are used to produce tritium from a lithium blanket
surrounding the reactor.) Another common misconception is that nuclear fusion
power is a virtually unlimited source of energy because of the enormous
quantity of deuterium in the sea. Actually, its limits are set by the amount of
available lithium, which is about as plentiful as uranium in the Earth’s crust.
Research should certainly continue on controlled nuclear fusion, but no energy
program should be premised on its existence until it has proven practical. For
the immediate future, we must continue to use hydroelectric power, nuclear
fission, and fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. The energy sources already
in major use are in major use for good reason.
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