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Time Magazine
3 days ago
- Time Magazine
A Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough May Be Closer Than You Think
For long-time followers of fusion energy, Tokamak Hall is the high-water mark after decades of ups and downs. From an observation deck on the side, the surgically-clean, hospital-white room feels both like a cathedral and yet somehow too tiny for its lofty purpose. Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the company building it, says the room will soon hold a tokamak, the central donut-shaped device necessary for one approach to nuclear fusion. In the tokamak, scientists will heat up deuterium and tritium to 100 million degrees Celsius and fuse them together—producing heat that can be converted to electricity in the process. But as impressive as Tokamak Hall may be, I left the company's campus more taken by the factory floor in the building next door. There, employees are hard at work manufacturing the company's key innovation: giant magnets made of high-temperature, superconducting tape to be used in the tokamak. The magnets keep the superheated fuel in place and stable enough for the fusion process to occur. In the facility, they're churning out magnets for the pilot project—and, eventually, to build a fleet of fusion power plants. It's a testament not just to fusion's technological potential but the commercial possibilities as well. 'The power industry is a very large market, and so you have, inherently, a huge potential for financial return,' Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO Bob Mumgaard told me after my tour in March. 'If you built something that can produce 1% of energy, you've built the largest company in the world.' The U.S. energy system is in the middle of an all-out revolution. Growing electricity demand has contributed to a massive build out of any power source that utilities can get their hands on—often gas and solar power, typically the two cheapest options these days. Meanwhile, the country has cemented its place as a superpower in fossil fuel production. Fusion energy, which has for decades been considered as distant and almost like science fiction, has the potential to reshape all of these trends. And it could happen sooner than many energy practitioners realize. 'I think we are showing promise for being able to demonstrate fusion conditions in this decade, and this decade has only five years left,' says Ernest Moniz, the former U.S. energy secretary who now serves on the board of TAE Technologies, a fusion company. 'Eventually, it could become the dominant source.' There's no question that the pathway to a grid dominated by fusion is long and windy. For decades, it's been dismissed as too fantastical to consider seriously. Yet, now, it increasingly looks like fusion may soon be commercial—and policymakers and business executives around the world have done little to prepare for the wide-reaching consequences. In February, a leading renewable energy trade group gathered industry luminaries for a summit on the future of the U.S. power sector. In the middle of the discussion, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Andrew Wheeler, now a partner at law firm Holland & Hart, rejected the possibility of fusion becoming commercial in the next 20 years. Even if there are advances, the regulatory process will take too long, he said. Moniz jumped in to correct: in 2023, federal authorities announced a streamlined process that will make fusion energy easier to deploy than old-school nuclear fission. 'Very few people know that that's already something in the cards,' Moniz told me later about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's decision to regulate fusion reactors more like particle accelerators, which are inherently less risky than fission reactors. The decision was later solidified with a federal law. In casual chats with energy watchers over the last six months, I've had a version of the same conversation over and over again: a policymaker, investor, or academic rejects the possibility of commercial fusion but their opinion reflects outdated information or lacks awareness of the current state of the technology. There are good reasons for the misperceptions. Fusion first appeared on the energy sector's radar in the 1950s with a lot of hype. Nuclear weapons had proven the destructive power of nuclear technologies in World War II, and federal officials were keen to find ways to use nuclear energy—fusion and fission—to make vast amounts of electricity to power the post-war economy. In a 1953 speech at the United Nations, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower called for nuclear development as part of an 'atoms for peace' agenda. Scientists confidently predicted that they could make quick advances with fusion just as they had with fission. So, for decades, governments have funded a wide range of approaches and experiments aimed at advancing fusion power. Billions of dollars poured into research facilities like the Joint European Torus in England and the still-under-construction ITER project in France. Yet the technology has remained stubbornly elusive, with fusion reactions consuming more energy than they generated, leading to the running joke that fusion was always '20 years away.' By the 1990s, many in the energy industry had written off fusion as a scientific curiosity rather than a viable power source. In 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California achieved a game-changing breakthrough: a fusion reaction that produced more energy than required to start it. Buoyed in part by that announcement, private companies and financiers have aggressively entered the race in recent years—flipping the fusion game on its head. For decades, fusion spending had primarily come from governments, leading to a vast body of knowledge about the technology but minimal pressure to commercialize. Private companies take a different approach, trying to make money as soon as possible with fast-paced, commercially-oriented innovation. Today, the Fusion Industry Association counts at least 45 private companies globally working to develop commercial fusion; in total those companies have raised more than $7 billion—largely from private backers. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is leading the pack. The company has raised over $2 billion—more than any competitor—and plans to put power on the grid in the early 2030s. The scientific press has paid significant attention to CFS's technological innovation: using a high-temperature super conducting tape that can create strong magnetic fields. But the company's success is the result of a combination of that technical innovation and a focus on commercial speed. To get past labor shortages, its leaders have hired from a cross section of related fields rather than focusing solely on PhD physicists. And it has adapted its blue prints and supply chains to accommodate easily adaptable products that are already on the market rather than trying to build from scratch. 'We wanted to make the technology work as soon as possible,' says Brandon Sorbom, the company's chief science officer. 'Everything else is subordinate to that.' The company's SPARC facility—where I visited the under-construction tokamak—is scheduled to deliver first net energy production in 2027. Late last year, the company said it would build its first commercial power plant in Virginia with the goal of delivering power to the grid in the early 2030s. Assuming CFS's plant works as planned, a big question remains unanswered: how much will the electricity it produces cost? In theory, the economics of successful fusion should be favorable. The fuel sources—tritium and deuterium—come from easily accessible sources, namely seawater and lithium, and should be cheap to produce compared to fossil fuels. Like many renewable energy sources, the main cost will come from financing the necessary infrastructure. And, while the executives at CFS are exceedingly confident that their approach to fusion will put electrons on the grid, they are less certain about how the cost will first pencil out. At $100 per megawatt hour they anticipate good business; at $50 per megawatt hour fusion takes over the world. 'What becomes interesting is if you get fusion soon to a power price that's relatively competitive, but you have a path to something that's really competitive,' says Rick Needham, the company's chief commercial officer. Until the plant enters operation, it's hard to know where the numbers will fall. But we do know that costs tend to decrease over time with any technology as builders become more knowledgeable and efficient. The question is who will put up the money to make it happen? To scale, CFS and its competitors will need to raise billions more to finance individual projects—knowing that returns for early investments will not be as good as they might come to be in the future. Fusion has perhaps received the most attention—and increasingly sourced its capital—from the so-called hyperscalers, big tech companies looking wherever they can to find power sources for their A.I. data centers. And both Microsoft and Google have reached agreements to buy fusion power when plants are up in running, including a June deal between Google and CFS. 'The hyperscalers, and any energy-intensive sort of industrial user of power, are starting to wake up,' says Michl Binderbauer, the CEO of nuclear fusion company TAE Technologies, which counts Google as investor. Whether these big tech players will open their wallets to finance the build out remains to be seen, even as the early signs are encouraging. It's easy to be drawn in by the utopian vision of what fusion energy can do for the world. Fully realized, the technology can provide cheap, infinite clean energy across the globe. Given how energy, and fossil fuels in particular, shapes geopolitics, proponents of fusion say the power source could alleviate conflict and create a more peaceful world. And it would dramatically aid the fight against climate change—not just transforming today's power sector but leading to a rethink of how we use energy in industry and transportation. But technological shifts are rarely so simple. New energy sources have historically disrupted existing power structures, created winners and losers, and generated unforeseen consequences that ripple across industries and nations. Indeed, one place where people are paying attention is in China, which is racing to build its own state-backed fusion companies. If China does a better job of commercializing fusion, it would significantly alter geopolitical dynamics. 'China is a country of extraordinary initiative. In domain after domain, China invests early,' Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who is also the vice chair of the Intelligence Committee, told me at a fusion event in February. Even for those who are paying attention to fusion, it remains almost impossible to plan for its commercial emergence. Demand for electricity is rising everywhere, including the U.S., and utilities need to ensure that the grid is well supplied with technologies that exist today. For an industry that plans in decades-long time scales, the timing is challenging. Many places, including the U.S., are experiencing a surge in demand—and will build a whole lot of energy infrastructure—just before commercial fusion, potentially, comes online. That timing could prove costly. Power plants built in the next decade might become stranded assets if cheap fusion electricity arrives. Grid infrastructure designed for today's energy mix may need expensive retrofitting. And regulatory frameworks built around fossil fuels and traditional renewables will require fundamental rethinking. 'The downside is that it's not here right now,' says Needham. But in energy markets, there is a fine line between a technology being too futuristic and becoming the next big thing. We may be approaching that line now. This story is supported by a partnership with Outrider Foundation and Journalism Funding Partners. TIME is solely responsible for the content.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Room AC Market Size expected to reach US$78.60 billion by 2031 Exclusive Report by The Insight Partners
NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the room AC market is observing significant growth owing to the rising global temperature and the growing population and urbanization worldwide. The Room AC Market was valued at US$52.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$78.60 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 6.1% during 2025-2031. The Room AC Market comprises an array of product type, technology, and end users that are expected to register strength in the coming years. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. To explore the valuable insights in the Room AC Market report, you can easily download a sample PDF of the report - Overview of Report Findings Rising Global Temperatures: According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the year 2024 marked the warmest global surface temperature since reliable recordkeeping began in 1880. This assessment is supported by independent analyses from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other international climate research organizations. The data reveals that Earth's average temperature in 2024 was approximately 2.65 degrees Fahrenheit (1.47 degrees Celsius) higher than the preindustrial baseline (1850–1900). Notably, the last decade comprises the ten warmest years ever recorded, illustrating a clear and accelerating trend of global warming. This persistent rise in temperatures is not only a critical environmental concern but also a significant socioeconomic factor driving the growth of the room air conditioner market. Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Refrigerants are central to the functioning of indoor climate control systems, enabling the transfer of heat that allows air conditioners to cool or heat indoor spaces. Historically, widely used refrigerants such as R-410A and R-22 have been effective in thermal management but carry a high global warming potential (GWP), contributing significantly to environmental degradation. In response to growing environmental concerns and evolving regulatory standards, the transition to next-generation refrigerants such as R-32 presents a major growth opportunity for the room air conditioner market. R-32 is a low-GWP refrigerant that offers superior thermodynamic performance and energy efficiency. With approximately 10% higher thermal capacity than R-410A, R-32 enables air conditioning systems to operate more efficiently, reducing both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of R-32 into new air conditioning systems not only aligns with India's commitment to sustainability and global climate goals but also stimulates demand for redesigned and upgraded AC components. Components such as compressors, heat exchangers, and expansion valves must be optimized to handle R-32's unique properties, creating opportunities for innovation and product development within the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. From an environmental perspective, the transition to R-32 could result in a 19% reduction in CO₂-equivalent emissions over 10 years if it replaces high-GWP refrigerants across all installed AC units. For Detailed Room AC Market Insights, Visit: Market Segmentation Based on product type, the market is divided into split AC, window AC, and portable AC. The split AC segment dominated the market in 2024. In terms of technology, the market is categorized into direct inverter technology and non-inverter technology. The inverter technology segment dominated the market in 2024. By end user, the room AC market is categorized as residential and commercial. The residential segment dominated the market in 2024. Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: Panasonic Holdings Corp, Voltas Ltd, Carrier Global Corp, LG Electronics Inc, Blue Star Ltd, Daikin Industries Ltd, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Whirlpool Corp, Johnson Controls - Hitachi Air Conditioning Company are among the major companies operating in the room AC market. Trending Topics: Room AC Component market, Air Conditioner Market, and Commercial HVAC Market Stay Updated on The Latest Room AC Market Trends: Global Headlines on Electronic Data Interchange Daikin announced the commencement of mass production of its residential air conditioner in its first full-scale residential AC factory in Indonesia.. Samsung launched its 2025 lineup of BESPOKE AI WindFree Air conditioners, a fusion of cutting-edge AI technology and premium design. With a focus on intelligent cooling, energy efficiency, and connected living, the new range of 19 models caters to the evolving demands of Indian consumers. Purchase Premium Copy of Global Room AC Market Size and Growth Report (2021-2031) at: Conclusion A Room Air Conditioner (RAC) is a compact, self-contained cooling device designed to regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a single room or small enclosed space. It provides comfort in hot weather by removing heat and moisture from the indoor air and expelling it outside. It typically consists of key components such as a compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, expansion valve, and a fan system, all housed within a single unit that can be installed in a window, through a wall, or as a portable device. The RAC operates on the principle of the refrigeration cycle, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the room air as it evaporates in the evaporator coil and releases it outside via the condenser coil after being compressed. This process cools the indoor air, which is circulated back into the room by a blower. At the same time, excess moisture condenses on the evaporator coil and drains away, thus also dehumidifying the space. Modern room air conditioners often include features such as adjustable thermostats, timers, energy-saving modes, air filters for improved air quality, and remote controls for convenience. Their design makes them highly suitable for localized cooling needs, especially in residential, small office, or commercial settings where central air conditioning systems are not feasible or economical. Overall, room air conditioners are an effective, affordable, and widely used solution to improve indoor comfort by maintaining a cool and pleasant environment during hot or humid conditions. Factors such as growing population & urbanization, and rising global temperatures are driving the room air conditioner market. The market is expected to grow in the forecasted period owing to the adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants and technological advancement. Accelerated manufacturing expansion is one of the key trends in the market. However, volatile raw material prices and supply chain issues may hamper the market growth. The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders—including solution providers, system integrators, and end users—with valuable insights to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Trending latest Reports: The Smart meter market size is expected to reach US$49.24 billion by 2031 The Medium Voltage Cable Market size is expected to reach US$41.28 billion by 2031 Optical measuring machine market size expected to reach US$4.63 billion by 2031 Wearable EEG devices market size is projected to reach US$695.51 million by 2031 Land Mobile Radio market size is projected to reach US$24.32 billion by 2031 Wireless Antenna market size expected to reach US$7.04 billion by 2031 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release - For More Latest Electronics and Semiconductor Market Research Reports & Industry Analysis - Logo: View original content: SOURCE The Insight Partners Sign in to access your portfolio
6 days ago
India wants air conditioners to be made with milder temperature settings to save energy
BENGALURU, India -- India's government is seeking to limit temperature settings on new air conditioners to save electricity in the country that considered the fastest-growing market for them. The power minister proposed a rule in June requiring air conditioners sold in the country to have thermostats that can be set no lower than 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Officials hope the small change will create massive energy savings in the country of more than 1.4 billion people. About 10 million to 15 million air conditioners are sold annually as incomes and urbanization increase along with the temperatures. The current lowest setting is 17 C (62 F). Officials say each degree an air conditioner is turned up saves about 6% on energy. Energy experts said the proposal is a positive step, but that requiring units to be more energy efficient would help more. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the proposed rule would take effect soon but wasn't specific about timing. The proposal has gotten mixed reviews from people living in India's sweltering cities. 'Overall, I think it's good to try and save energy, but at the same time I hope the government makes sure people are not too inconvenienced,' said Vikram Kannan, a 37-year-old teacher who lives in the humid southern city of Chennai with his wife and 4-year-old daughter. 'Sometimes there is no choice but to set a low air conditioner temperature in cities like Chennai because it's just way too hot and humid. My daughter gets heat pimples at times if we don't do this." Air conditioners are fast becoming some of the biggest energy guzzlers in India. Room air conditioners accounted for as much as one quarter of the electricity needed in India during times of the highest usage in 2024, a measure known as peak demand, according to estimates by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. New AC units added between 2019 and 2024 have increased India's peak demand by an amount roughly equivalent to what it would take to power New Delhi for a year, the researchers estimated. Energy demand is typically highest during the summer when temperatures can reach 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country. If changes are not made, India is expected to have power shortages by next year. India's hunger for energy is also a key reason the country is one of the highest emitters of planet-heating gases. Clean energy use is growing, but most of India's electricity is provided by climate-polluting fossil fuels such as coal. Nikit Abhyankar, a leader of the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkley, said that Delhi, like other major Indian cities, now experiences dual peaks in electricity use — one in the afternoon and another around midnight — driven largely by air conditioners. While solar energy can help offset daytime demand, nighttime cooling still relies heavily on fossil fuels. The air conditioner proposal is the latest in a series of government measures over the past decade aimed at saving energy, such as mandating that government offices be cooled at no less than 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). In 2022, the government launched the Mission Life program that includes public service messages encouraging people to reduce emissions by cutting electricity use or skipping unnecessary car trips. The initiative announced with much fanfare has received mixed responses. Some are supportive of the proposed change to air conditioner settings. Sunil Kumar, a 47-year-old from East Delhi, said the rule could prevent fire hazards and lower bills. 'People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust,' said Kumar, who drives a small commercial vehicle known as a tuk-tuk. New Delhi-based businessperson Surjeet Singh said turning air conditioners down to their current lowest setting was 'unnecessary.' 'People have gotten too comfortable,' he said, suggesting that cities invest in planting trees to tackle urban heat. Abhyankar, the California professor, said that while changing temperature settings will help, requiring air conditioners to be energy efficient would do more. 'Tightening the minimum efficiency standards can change things pretty significantly,' said Abhyankar, who has also studied the energy sector in the U.S., China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Calling the proposed air conditioner rule a 'step in the right direction,' Pramod Singh, an energy savings expert with New Delhi-based Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, said replacing the country's estimated 80 million older generation, inefficient air conditioners is a key challenge for the government. Many units available in India are so inefficient they couldn't be sold in many other countries, Abhyankar said. 'Although India imports most key components for its air conditioners from China, nearly 80% of the air conditioners that are currently sold in India would be banned in China,' he said. Energy experts said other small changes can reduce energy use and customer costs, such as making sure new buildings have adequate ventilation, combining air conditioners with other cooling methods and using smart technologies to run air conditioners. 'Air conditioner use reduces significantly if users also run their ceiling fans, as the room cools much faster,' said Abhyankar. ___ ___
