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Hi Adam:
All this talk of fusion, etc., and this article that got everyone started on this topic has me wondering a few things. First of all, how do you generate electricity from
fusion? Because, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm assuming that's the
ultimate goal of ITER (to demonstrate that a sustainable reaction is achievable
and, later, that electricity generation is possible). Obviously the
conventional steam turbines won't cut it (we can't even contain the plasma with
conventional materials, so how could we use the heat to make steam?) Would
TEGs work at those temperatures?
Secondly, the article that Jerry posted stated that
"Darlington produces 20 per cent of Ontario's electricity. " The IMO lists
available capacity in Ontario at 29939MW, which may or may not include available
imports. So let's consider OPG alone. OPG's website indicates them
to have ~24600MW installed capacity, including Pickering A. Darlington can
produce ~3500MW, which by my calculations is at best 14% of OPG's
capacity. Since there are other generators in the province, notable Bruce
Power, there's no way Darlington produces 20% of Ontario's electricity.
Any idea where the Star came up with this figure? Would this be based on
actual energy produced?
Cheers
Mike
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