The nuclear fusion of light elements powers the sun and other stars. The fusion process in stars and supernovas creates from primordial hydrogen heavier elements, including those needed for chemistry and life. Nuclear fusion is analogous to the chemical reaction of burning, such as the joining (fusing) of hydrogen and oxygen to produce water vapor and release energy. Both processes produce something new while releasing energy.

Our planet contains large quantities of light elements that are theoretically suitable for providing energy from fusion reactions in central power plants. The potential energy resource from fusion is vast—so vast that the world's energy needs could be met for billions of years at current rates of consumption. Laboratory experiments, as well as nuclear explosions, have released fusion energy on the Earth, and it may be feasible to provide useful energy from fusion in the future in a controlled...