China decided to 'cut off' the Moon

As the world's largest energy consumer, China is acutely aware of its mission to tackle energy supplies in the coming decades, and the source of energy in the Moon is Beijing's target. The development of fusion fuel on the Moon can be a catalyst for clean energy and a global revival.

The role of helium-3

Beijing has always had a headache with the question of how to approach and balance energy security and energy ownership and meet environmental sustainability. Indeed, relying on energy supplies from a large number of finite fossil fuels and conventional nuclear energy in the middle of the century for a large-scale economy like China is not an option. Feasibility. For this reason, China is devoting considerable resources to capturing future unique energy sources: nuclear reactions.

Most studies of nuclear reactions focus primarily on deuterium or tritium (heavy isotopes of hydrogen) because this is the fuel used to create fusion reactions. Deuterium is found in water, while tritium is not present in nature but must be artificially produced.

Exploiting the source of helium-3 on the moon is a solution to China's current energy crisis.(Photo: Diplomat)

However, nuclear fusion can reach even higher by another isotope in the periodic table: helium-3 . Helium-3 is a glowing and non-radioactive helium isotope. Helium-3 nuclear fusion reactors can produce highly efficient nuclear power that produces virtually no waste and negligible radiation.

Unfortunately, helium-3 is almost non-existent on Earth but only on the Moon. Due to lack of air, the Moon is affected by wind, the sun carries helium-3 for billions of years. As a result, dust on the Moon's surface is saturated with this gas.

It is estimated that there are about 1.1 million tons of helium-3 on the Moon, while only 40 tons of helium-3 (1 ton of helium-3 equivalent to about 50 million barrels of crude oil) is enough to power the United States. one year with the current energy consumption rate. Since then, the world will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

China advanced to the Moon

However, to get this gas, China must approach the Moon. Currently, Beijing is implementing the Lunar exploration program, Hang Nga, to send astronauts here in the early 2020s. If Beijing wins the second "Moon race" and proceeds exploiting helium-3, the world's No. 2 power will be exclusive to helium-3 mining.

First, according to international relations scholars, Beijing is looking for opportunities to assert its position in international affairs. The exclusive right to exploit helium-3 will be a spectacular affirmation. Second, with the inevitable decline of earth fossil fuel sources, China gradually builds the helium-3 empire, controlling the supply of this gas.

The rise of such an empire can cause conflict. China's energy outlook could lead to popular geopolitical influences, causing geopolitical tensions and anti-Beijing alliances, and quickly pushing other countries - especially the US - Go to the Moon to break Beijing's monopoly.

This scenario is almost inevitable. On the contrary, exploration and development of resources on the Moon can encourage international cooperation and confidence building. If countries create new political, diplomatic, and legal frameworks to use as tools for managing and sharing booty, the exploitation of helium-3 will be a power supply. Significant amount for humanity.