Manmade fusion energy was first released at large scale in 1952 by the US hydrogen bomb, which released enough energy to power the entire US for more than a day. It happened in 600 nanoseconds at temperatures seven times as high as the surface of the sun. Since then, scientists and engineers have been trying to figure out how to sustain, moderate, and capture fusion energy to produce electricity on a sustained basis. It's been slow going. This presentation will examine the real-world challenges facing usable fusion energy.

Moderator: Alan Flaherty recognizes the limits of earth's fossil fuels and wonders what energy sources will replace them. Fusion is often mentioned as an attractive step beyond the now-contentious solar panels and wind turbines. He's skeptical and curious. He is a retired engineer and media executive who focuses on process analysis and design.