Garlien t1_isp6ov5 wrote
Reply to comment by Khourieat in TIL Liquid Helium is the perfect element to keep the superconductive magnets in MRI machines cold by Alternative-Leg1095
We already know how to fuse helium, just not in an energy-producing way. If we were willing to accept the energy cost, we could fuse enough to keep essential systems such as MRIs online.
Khourieat t1_ispbq38 wrote
That doesn't seem like it'd address the cost concern, which is the only concern...
Garlien t1_ispn6tw wrote
If we literally run out of helium, an inefficient fusion reactor would likely be more cost efficient than mining it from outer space.
Efficient-Library792 t1_isqsgf9 wrote
I think you underestimate what it costs to run even an energy neutral fusion plant. There are a few around the world and they cost 10 figures to build and probably 8 to run. Amd they likely produce tiny amounts of helium
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