Currently, the U.S. generates about 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. aims to transition away from these carbon-emitting fuels by 2035, which will require a significant increase in sources of clean energy. Currently, renewables (wind, hydropower and solar) generate about 21% of our electricity, while fission nuclear plants generate 18%.

Many experts believe that fission and fusion technologies could be important tools in our transition to a clean-energy future. Others are wary, expressing concerns about safety and waste disposal issues.

Our speakers will compare and contrast fusion and fission technologies so that listeners can come to their own conclusions about these technologies in addressing climate change.

Our speakers: 

David Butz is a Steering Committee member of Eco-Nuclear Solutions, which advocates for ecological, safe, carbon-free energy. He is a design engineer and environmentalist who has been assessing the energy generation and pollution problem for over 50 years. He will discuss why nuclear fission is now a mature, practical, and safe means of generating clean and dependable base-load electrical power.

Aina Lagor is the development officer for Energy for the Common Good, which prepares leaders in energy, environmental regulation, and policy to be ready to implement safe, non-carbon innovations as soon as they are available. She is an advocate for equitable fusion nuclear energy for generating electricity. Aina will give an overview of fusion nuclear energy, what it is, where it stands today, and when it is expected to support the grid in the future.

Moderator: Ross Trimby earned a Master’s degree in Solid State Physics from Cornell and attended the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School. He qualified as a Reactor Plant Operator and then served as an engineering watch officer on a nuclear sub for three years.