Group 1 - The core vision of achieving nuclear fusion power generation in China is expected to be realized by 2030, with the first "nuclear fusion light" anticipated to be lit [1][2] - Nuclear fusion involves the combination of two lighter atomic nuclei under high temperature and density, releasing significant energy, with one cup of seawater providing energy equivalent to 300 liters of gasoline [2] - The construction of the compact fusion energy experimental device (BEST) is underway in Hefei, which aims to demonstrate fusion energy generation by 2027 [2] Group 2 - The "Good Hope Science Salon" aims to foster cross-disciplinary communication and promote the integration of future technologies and industries, with over 70 participants from various sectors discussing advancements in nuclear energy [3] - Discussions included the collaborative innovation between fission and fusion, the commercialization of nuclear fusion, and the investment logic surrounding it, highlighting the international community's focus on fusion energy as a solution to energy challenges [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing energy demands of AI technologies and the potential of nuclear energy, particularly through the innovations of Terrestrial Energy, a startup focused on molten salt reactors [1][4][17]. Group 1: Energy Demand and AI - AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, are consuming significant amounts of electricity, with estimates indicating that the AI industry could require between 85 to 134 terawatt-hours of power annually by 2027, equivalent to the total electricity consumption of Beijing in 2023 [4][17]. - The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, emphasizes the need for breakthroughs in energy supply to support the growing demands of AI [1][4]. Group 2: Terrestrial Energy Overview - Terrestrial Energy, founded in 2012 and based in North Carolina, is developing advanced modular nuclear power plants using integrated molten salt reactor (IMSR) technology, which is significantly smaller and more efficient than traditional nuclear plants [5][6]. - The company plans to go public through a SPAC merger, aiming to raise $280 million, with 60% of the funds allocated for the construction of its first commercial reactor [12][13]. Group 3: Advantages of IMSR Technology - IMSR technology offers enhanced safety, as it eliminates the risk of pipe failures and can automatically flow into a safety container in case of system failure [6]. - The economic benefits include a 50% higher thermal efficiency compared to traditional reactors, a 40% reduction in nuclear waste, and lower maintenance costs due to less frequent fuel changes [9][11]. - IMSR's flexibility allows it to supply power to both large cities and remote areas, and it can store excess energy as heat during low demand periods [9][11]. Group 4: Regulatory and Commercialization Aspects - Terrestrial Energy has successfully navigated regulatory processes, receiving approvals from Canadian and U.S. nuclear regulatory bodies, which boosts investor confidence [11][12]. - The company has established partnerships with major organizations, including Westinghouse Fuels and Schneider Electric, to advance its commercialization efforts [12][11]. Group 5: SPAC Financing Model - The SPAC model provides nuclear startups with significant upfront capital, allowing them to secure funding without the lengthy process of traditional IPOs [13][14]. - SPAC mergers can help avoid market volatility and provide a faster route to public listing, which is particularly beneficial for technology-sensitive sectors like nuclear energy [14][16]. Group 6: Public Sentiment and Market Potential - Public support for nuclear energy in the U.S. has increased, with 77% of Americans favoring its development in 2024, reflecting a significant shift in perception over the past three decades [17][20]. - The global nuclear technology market is projected to be worth nearly a trillion dollars, with annual investments in the sector growing by nearly 50% in the last three years, surpassing $60 billion [17][20].

"核聚变永远还有 50 年是对的，现在不到 10 年可能也是对的。" 文丨 贺乾明 编辑丨程曼祺 "如果核聚变发电就是实现不了呢？" 听到这个问题，在清华大学研究核聚变 20 多年的谭熠沉默了几秒，然后笑了起来。他觉得这个问题 "根本没道理"，因为核聚变 "从科学上是可行的"。 70 多年前的曼哈顿工程期间，科学家就了解核聚变原理。二战结束后，美国很快就用它造出了氢弹。但用核聚变发电的研究几经起伏，冷战后几乎停滞了 20 多年。 情况在 2021 年发生变化 ，美国的核聚变公司 Helion 宣布把等离子体加热到 1 亿摄氏度，实现原本只有政府项目才能做到的壮举；从麻省理工分拆的核聚变 公司 CFS 开发出形成更强磁场的高温超导磁体，把低成本建造能实现核聚变装置可能性大幅提高。 核聚变创业热潮出现：OpenAI 联合创始人山姆·阿尔特曼、PayPal 联合创始人彼得·蒂尔、比尔·盖茨、乔治·索罗斯等硅谷科技名流和富豪，以及 Google、DFJ 等机构在短时间里朝核聚变行业投资了 30 多亿美元，是美国政府数年来累计拨款的数倍。 这一年，谭熠创办核聚变公司星环聚能，担任首席科学家，在 2022 年 6 月拿到 ...