Cold Fusion Nuclear

Nuclear fusion is the combination of any two atoms to for a single, larger atom.  The phrase most commonly refers to the fusion of two hydrogen atoms to form a helium atom, which is the reaction that occurs in the nuclear reactions that generate harvestable power, and is also the same reaction that is ongoing in the sun.  In order for the reaction to occur, enormously high temperatures are needed and therefore nuclear fusion as we know it today is also referred to as a thermonuclear reaction.  Indeed, the temperature on the surface of the sun is an indication of the kinds of heat energy involved in this reaction.  Cold fusion is a theoretical form of this kind of reaction that does not require the extremely high temperatures to proceed. 

One of the inherent dangers of nuclear power today is the very fact that such high temperatures are required for the reaction to occur.  The famous nuclear power accidents we all know about, such as Chernobyl, all occurred due to failures in the plants ability to keep the reaction within a containable temperature range.  Cold fusion would not only eliminate this risk, it would also allow applications that are completely out of the question for thermonuclear power.  For example, cold fusion cold easily be used to power automobiles, other transport vehicles, or even household appliances.  Thermonuclear reactions can only be done in highly supervised and protective environments which limits its use.  Imagine trying to use a reaction that reaches millions of degrees Celsius to drive your car.  There wouldn't be anything left to drive, and furthermore there wouldn't be anything left of you! 

In point of fact, cold fusion isn't actually theoretical anymore, however its applications are.  Cold fusion has been demonstrated to occur through a number of different processes, however none of these processes release more energy than they require, and are therefore not effective in producing power. 

Since fusion reactions produce so much energy, and so little radioactive waste, finding a way to make it safe and usable outside of nuclear power plants would have a tremendous economic and environmental impact on the world.  Though fusion is not a perfectly clean form of producing power, it is far cleaner than the fossil fuels we use today.  The greenhouse effect would effectively be a concern of the past if fusion were to replace fossil fuels as the world's predominant source of energy. 

Additionally, with the limited amount of oil produced and the inherent political issues associated with the oil trade, alternatives to fossil fuels are even more attractive.  It is for these reasons that finding a workable and efficient form of cold fusion is a goal for many of today's scientists.