The free-to-read Physics World Big Science Briefing 2026 is out now
Discover how big science is playing its part to tackle the climate crisis The post The free-to-read Physics World Big Science Briefing 2026 is out now appeared first on Physics World .
This summer, Western Europe endured scorching, prolonged heatwaves, igniting devastating wildfires. As such extreme weather events become the norm rather than an isolated occurrence, it is imperative that all contribute to mitigating climate change, including the field of "big science." In this year's Physics World Big Science Briefing, the focus is on enhancing the sustainability of accelerator technologies and facilities.
The goal extends beyond reducing energy and resource consumption of accelerators to comprehending and minimizing their entire environmental impact. Looking forward, researchers are exploring disruptive accelerator concepts that could shrink the size, cost, and carbon footprint of next-generation facilities. Plasma-wakefield acceleration is one such concept, employing laser- or particle-beam-driven intense plasma waves to generate electric fields up to 1000 times greater than those in classical accelerators.
This method promises a substantial reduction in the size, cost, and carbon footprint of future accelerator facilities. As global energy demands surge and the climate crisis intensifies, the pursuit of cleaner, greener energy production has gained momentum. Fusion energy, in particular, has experienced a resurgence of interest. According to a report by the Fusion Industry Association on the state of the fusion industry, 71% of the 56 private fusion companies surveyed expect the first fusion plant to generate commercial electricity by the 2030s.
Focused Energy, a laser-fusion firm based in Germany and California, is one such company aiming for such ambitious objectives. Their pilot plant, LightHouse, is expected to be operational by the end of the 2030s. Despite numerous hurdles before fusion electricity becomes a reality, it is evident that big science continues to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Sustainability will undoubtedly be a focal point at this year's Big Science Business Forum, taking place in Maastricht from October 27-30. The Physics World invites readers to enjoy the briefing and provide feedback on the issue.
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