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An alternative fusion project has been kicked off in Europe that would seek abundant clean energy using a colossal laser the size of a football stadium.

The laser would tap the energy by squeezing together atoms of hydrogen - a process very similar to the one that powers the Sun.

Europe is already engaged in the Iter fusion venture that aims for the same outcome but via magnetic compression.

The Hiper programme is seen as a necessary complementary route.

“We have two approaches because of the prize that is out there; fusion energy is the holy grail of energy sources,” said Hiper project leader Professor Mike Dunne.

“It offers energy security because the fuel comes from seawater; it offers abundant supply, it’s clean and it’s safe. So the prize is huge and we believe we need as many approaches as possible to make that prize a reality,” he told BBC News.

‘Spark plug’

The technical challenge of making fusion happen, however, is huge; and a viable solution has eluded scientists for 50 years.

The Hiper (High Power Laser Energy Research) study has been instigated by the European Commission and involves the participation of 26 institutions from 10 countries. Keys players are the UK, the Czech Republic and France.

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