Author and former physicist Amort B. Lovins explores in this article fusion as a form of renewable energy, as well as the economical implications of investing in fusion. Fusion is the act of joining together hydrogen atoms (or other light elements) to form a heavier element, which releases energy. Lovins points out several flaws related to fusion in the marketplace. First of all, most investors do not take into account other renewable resources, such as hydroelectricity, which are more cost-effective than fusion. Second, fusion power is unpopular and cannot compete with well-known and widely used processes like windpower, whose costs decrease as those of fusion generally increase. Also, the cost of all thermal-related power (which uses energy to eat steam) is too high to be effective. All of these, along with other smaller factors like location and potential danger, make for a tricky market when it comes to nuclear fusion as a power source.
Amort Lovins writes about both environmental science and economics in his article, which makes it difficult at times to keep track of which he is referring to. He uses formal, complex language tha applies to both areas; something that is to be expected considering the intended audience, but which makes the article hard to keep up with. Lovins also leaves a lot of transitions to the imagination, which again hinders the flow and consistency of the article. He does a good job, however, of breaking down the issues that he presents about fusion. His arguments are presented in a convincing manner, and he does a good job of providing counterarguments as well. Overall, his message is clear and well-detailed, but his structuring and organization of the article is found wanting.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amorylovins/2014/09/07/fusion-power-the-case-of-the-wrong-competitors/
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