Fusion Cuisine

By now you've heard/read about the net-positive fusion experiment at LL? Here's one take on the significance of this.

I tend toward a more diabolical view. There's only so much lithium available at reasonable effort, thus only so many battery powered automobiles. It's the energy density, portability, and rapid 'recharging' of petrol that undergirds its dominance in transport. Fusion generated electricity isn't going to change that no matter how abundant and cheap it turns out to be. The problem with electric transport is what most other places on the planet have chosen to adapt to: it requires a 'socialist' infrastructure of wires and vehicles that get their electrons from such. IOW, public trains, trams, and buses; which Freedom Loving Americans will never accept.

So, what will the future really (in my humble opinion) look like with fusion power plants replacing fossil and fission plants? Not much. Well, unless some neo-Einstein does invent Mr. Fusion. Doesn't seem likely.

On the other hand, Socialist Europe, with its existing (and expanding) electric transport infrastructure will stride boldly into the future. China too, by the way. Xi has fucked up Covid to a faretheewell, but basic civil engineering is simple by comparison.

There is a way to leverage fusion electricity, but still requires a radical change of view, especially from the MAGAmorons. You may have heard of electric induction? It's the basic physics that's implemented in stove tops which don't heat up. Well, at least not your body parts, but you have to dump your anodized aluminum pots and pans for ferric ones. Induction charging is how you can charge your smartphone without a wire, btw.

There are some small projects to use maglev to move trains. Even, it turns out, the USofA. And, it can be very efficient.

The real transformation could/would/will happen when someone gets the bright idea to embed induction cable in streets and highways; thus freeing the Freedom Loving American to drive where and when s/he wants without having to use up lithium and try to find a common recharging station in the middle of nowhere. Of course, those choosing to live in the middle of nowhere will be SOL. My heart bleeds for them.

So, what is the physics of this Nirvana? Well, it's been done for sixth graders! And, guess what? Those damned Socialists in Italy have already tested the idea!

The issue, as I see it at least, is whether to use this (nearly) limitless fusion electricity to directly power vehicles or to simply provide on-the-go charging. I'm willing to guess that the pavement wiring will support both vectors.