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You will be writing a Mini-Position Paper which answers the question: given 10 billion dollars, how would you allocate funding ( in percentages ) between (1) continuing to build and run fission reactors and (2) research into the development of fusion reactors as sources of energy for the future?

User Jim Dagg
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Final answer:

Given 10 billion dollars, allocating 70% to fusion reactor development and 30% to maintaining fission reactors balances immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability and innovation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Allocating 10 billion dollars between the development of fusion reactors and continuing to build and run fission reactors is a significant strategic decision that needs to balance the current energy demands with future energy sustainability and innovations. Considering the high cost and experimental nature of fusion projects like ITER, and the established, though not without issues, nature of fission, a balanced yet forward-thinking approach might be to allocate 70% to developing fusion technology and 30% to maintaining and improving fission reactors. This takes into account the potential for fusion as an almost limitless energy source and the need to sustain energy production with fission until fusion becomes viable.

If fusion technology, like that pursued by the ITER project, becomes economically feasible, it will have a paramount impact on the world economy and international politics. The reliance on oil and natural gas could decrease, altering global dynamics substantially. Furthermore, investment in fusion research could lead to major breakthroughs by 2035. Meanwhile, the continuation of fission reactors, including investments in breeder reactors, could provide stable energy production and give the world time to transition to fusion power.

User Aliry
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