The available information on the dynamics of world population growth as well as global statistical data on today’s energy production, consumption and distribution are presented. Natural restrictions on the modern world’s fossil combustion energy system are discussed along with possible climatic and biospherical impacts for its part. Alternative energy sources capable of replacing the existing energy system are considered and prospects for controllable nuclear fusion are discussed.

PACS: 52.55.Fa, 89.30.+f, 89.60.+x DOI: 10.1070/PU1998v041n11ABEH000504 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1998/11/d/ 000077738800004 Citation: Putvinskii S V "Can the future world energy system be free of nuclear fusion?" Phys. Usp. 41 1127–1137 (1998) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Путвинский С В «Возможна ли будущая мировая энергетическая система без ядерного синтеза?» УФН 168 1235–1246 (1998); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0168.199811e.1235