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The world's largest nuclear fusion reactor is the product of collaboration between 35 countries — including every state in the European Union, Russia, China, India and the U.S. — ITER contains the world's most powerful magnet, making it capable of producing a magnetic field 280,000 times as strong as the one shielding Earth.
If one supports this kind of science, but is also libertarian, how does one propose to fund this type of massive projects that cost billions? Not being facetious, really curious...
The reactor's impressive design comes with an equally hefty price-tag. Originally slated to cost around $5 billion and fire up in 2020, it has now suffered multiple delays and its budget swelled beyond $22 billion, with an additional $5 billion proposed to cover additional costs. These unforeseen expenses and delays are behind the most recent, 15-year delay.
Fiat price is meaningless. IF anything the funding has siphoned the power of liquidity from others due to money printing (duplication via keystrokes and signatures.). The reward may be power but the same people funding this are also complaining that we use too much power (unless our military needs this and then we need it all.).
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27 sats \ 0 replies \ @clr 4 Jul
Can there be scientific progress when "scientists" have zero skin in the game because the politicians and technocrats that finance them and their projects also have zero skin in the game? They've got the money printer.
The fiat system is hoping for the miracle that saves it: nuclear fusion, AI singularity, quantum computers... They need the rate of productivity increase to be higher than the rate of plunder increase.
What will we get before? Fiat productivity miracle or hyperbitcoinization? Place your bets. I've already placed mine.
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17 sats \ 1 reply \ @Satosora 4 Jul
Im just curious, if it has that powerful of a magnet, wouldnt it affect many things that depend on polarity?
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Good question.
It is extremely localized. Also, a magnetic field decreases with the square (or even cube) of the distance, so it won't reach far away from the Tokamak.
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Maybe over some type of bond program like we saw with El Salvador's volcano bonds a few years back... oh wait.
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Edited using perplexity ai :
If one supports fusion energy research but is also libertarian, funding massive projects that cost billions can be a challenge. Here are some possible approaches:
  1. Private Sector Investment: Encourage private companies to invest in fusion research and development. This can be achieved through tax incentives, regulatory support, and public-private partnerships. Companies like Helion Energy, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and General Fusion have already secured significant funding from private investors[3].
  2. Crowdfunding and Philanthropy: Utilize crowdfunding platforms and philanthropic organizations to raise funds for specific projects or research initiatives. This can help supplement government funding and involve a broader range of stakeholders.
  3. Government Funding with Accountability: While libertarians may be hesitant about government funding, it can be justified if there is strong accountability and a clear path to commercialization. Ensure that government funding is tied to specific milestones and outcomes, as seen in the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program[4].
  4. International Collaboration: Collaborate with other countries and international organizations to share the financial burden and leverage global expertise. This can help accelerate progress and reduce costs for individual nations.
  5. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between government agencies, private companies, and research institutions to share resources and expertise. This can help optimize funding and accelerate progress towards commercialization.
  6. Tax Credits and Incentives: Offer tax credits or incentives to companies and individuals investing in fusion research and development. This can help stimulate private investment and reduce the financial burden on the government.
  7. Research Grants and Competitions: Establish research grants and competitions that encourage innovation and progress in fusion energy. This can help attract a diverse range of participants and ideas, while also promoting efficiency and accountability.
By adopting these strategies, it is possible to fund massive fusion energy projects while maintaining a libertarian approach that emphasizes private sector involvement and accountability.
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118 sats \ 0 replies \ @OgFOMK 4 Jul
The best way for me to respond to anything AI --> I wont read this.
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That is a good question. I love when I see humans collaborating in science like that, for the greater cause. It gives me hope.
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