How does fusion
make electricity?
Fusion joins light atomic nuclei. Turning that reaction into usable electricity requires far more than reaching a hot plasma.
Four conversions.
One power station.
Select each stage to understand the physics and the engineering system that follows it.
Fuse light nuclei.
Deuterium and tritium can fuse at extreme plasma temperatures, producing helium-4 and an energetic neutron. Each D–T reaction releases about 17.6 MeV.
Physics: D + T → He-4 (3.5 MeV) + n (14.1 MeV)
Capture neutron energy.
A surrounding blanket converts much of the neutron energy into heat. For D–T fusion, a lithium-containing blanket may also help breed tritium fuel.
Engineering challenge: materials, shielding, tritium breeding
Move heat into a power cycle.
A coolant and heat-exchange system transfers thermal energy into a suitable power-conversion cycle. Exact hardware depends on reactor and plant design.
Engineering challenge: thermal efficiency and reliability
Generate net electricity.
A turbine and generator, or another compatible thermal power system, produce electricity. Commercial success also depends on power consumed by heating, magnets and plant auxiliaries.
Critical distinction: fusion power ≠ net electric power
Simplified D–T thermal power-plant pathway. Actual plant configurations differ; there is no claim that this sequence represents a completed ORIGO reactor design.
Why the plasma is so difficult.
Temperature and confinement
Charged particles must reach fusion-relevant temperatures while remaining confined long enough and at sufficient density to sustain useful reactions.
Stability and exhaust
Plasma instabilities, particle transport and the removal of heat and helium ash affect both confinement and device lifetime.
Engineering beyond the plasma
Materials, magnets, fuel handling, shielding, heat extraction, maintenance, licensing and reliability determine whether a reactor could become a power plant.
Plasma gain is not the same as a viable power plant.
Even when fusion reactions produce substantial power, a practical plant must convert a fraction of that power into electricity, supply its own auxiliary loads and operate reliably enough to justify construction and maintenance costs.