National Ignition Facility

• The NNSA developed the National Ignition Facility (NIF), a 10-story building housing the highest energy laser in the world. It was dedicated May 29, 2009 for the research of safe and effective fusion. The lasers focus on compressing hydrogen atoms into a helium atom.
  
  

Benefits

• Stars, including our Sun, are powered by fusion reactions. The NIF's goal is to start a fusion reaction without the radiation dangers of a fission reaction. The 192 laser beams focused on a pellet of hydrogen will cause the fuel to implode, creating a fusion reaction.
  
  

Uses

• The energy released by fusion is greater than the energy used to start fusion, making it an efficient energy source. This efficiency can lead to U.S, energy independence without increased greenhouse gas emissions. It will also provide safer and more efficient propulsion plants for naval ships and submarines.