Hyrule's Hero of Time (and Energy): Google Bets on Fusion Power!

A New Power Awakens

Greetings citizens of Hyrule (and the internet)! Princess Zelda here reporting on a development that could be as revolutionary as the invention of the Hookshot – maybe even more so! Google yes the same entity that probably knows more about my secret training locations than Link does is diving headfirst into the world of fusion energy. Apparently they've struck a deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) a bunch of bright sparks from MIT. They plan to buy 200 megawatts of clean fusion power from CFS's ARC power plant which is expected to generate 400 megawatts when completed. That's like harnessing the power of Din Nayru and Farore combined!

A Grid Scale Guardian

This ARC thingy nestled in Chesterfield County Virginia aims to be the world's first grid scale fusion power plant. They say it will be up and running in the early 2030s. That's not tomorrow but in Hyrule time that's just a blink of an eye! It will apparently provide enough juice to power 150,000 homes or one very large Death Mountain. Just imagine a world without the tyranny of Ganon – or in this case fossil fuels!

Google's Triforce of Investment

Google sneaky as a Stalfos has been investing in CFS since 2021. They’ve upped their stake in this venture which is based in Devens Massachusetts. I couldn't get them to spill the rupees on the exact amount but you know how it is with secrets and powerful corporations. They claim to be 'excited to make this longer term bet on a technology with transformative potential'. Well I hope they are using the Ocarina of Time wisely on this one.

Fusion: Hotter Than a Cucco in Kakariko Village

Now about this fusion business. Imagine taking tiny atomic nuclei and heating them up to over 100 million degrees Celsius! That's hotter than a Hinox's breath after a spicy curry. At these temperatures the fuel turns into plasma which then makes the nuclei fuse releasing a whole lot of energy. This energy can be captured to make carbon free electricity. Sounds like magic right? Well maybe it is! I still have to use magic to open doors every now and then. One can dream!

The Race for the Future

CFS is just one of the contenders in this race to commercial scale fusion energy. Google is also backing TAE Technologies another fusion energy company based in California. It's like the Great Deku Tree said: 'The future depends on whether one can look towards the past with an honest gaze'. Let's hope these companies are honest and transparent in their quest for fusion power. We don't want any Majora's Mask incidents here!

The Future is Bright (and Clean!)

So there you have it folks! Google is making a big bet on fusion energy and that could mean a cleaner brighter future for all of us. Perhaps one day we can power Hyrule Castle entirely with fusion and then maybe Link can finally relax. A princess can dream right? I'll keep you updated on this quest for energy and remember always be on the lookout for hidden pots – you never know what treasures they might hold!