Fixed on ESG, Ep. 11 - We Have Ignition

We Have Ignition: Can Investment in Nuclear Fusion Solve the Climate Crisis?

Nuclear fusion is making headlines with the first ever demonstration of fusion ignition by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Why is this so groundbreaking? Nuclear fusion is a clean source of energy, and there are many benefits to fusion over its more controversial counterpart, nuclear fission. Some are even painting fusion as THE solution to the climate crisis.

Those are the headlines. In this episode of PGIM Fixed Income’s Fixed on ESG podcast, John Ploeg, CFA, Co-Head of ESG Research, and Peter Cody, CFA, U.S. Investment Grade Credit Research Analyst, provide the full picture. John and Peter compare fusion and fission; explain fusion ignition, its complexities, and its possibilities for commercial viability and climate impact; and try to answer, “is nuclear fusion where we should be focusing right now?” Perhaps not so fast. If fusion isn’t the perfect solution at present, where should we focus?

Recorded on February 24, 2023.

Listen here