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You are correct and there are very legitimate and serious contenders working in this field. The skeptics also have some valid points regarding the current state of affairs and many of the present claims come across as quackery of the worst kind. The major frustration I have with the skeptics is not their criticisms of the outlandish claims today, but their blanket view of the science based only on present experiences. They essentially assume the limitations today will control the science tomorrow.

There is no reliable way for us to predict the future of science and technology because it’s truly beyond the realm of our understanding. If we have learned anything in past decades it is that the world will be much different for our children and grandchildren. Technologically, their lives will be much different and likely better in many ways. It remains to be seen if their quality of life is better, but that is not an argument of science/technology.

There are monumental obstacles in the quest for cheap/endless energy. However, I have little doubt that “in time” this technology/theory, or another unknown to us, will change the world in ways we cannot begin to imagine. This is why I laugh at those who preach “peak food” or “peak energy.” If we review history we see a bit of panic about the supply of whale oil back in the days of lanterns. Human’s are very adaptable/creative and our planet continues to surprise us with it’s resources.

I am certain that history will show our debate today was comparable to discussing a 100 chapter book after reading the first 4, not reading the 5th or 6th (only a few know them), and failing to realize the last 94 chapters have yet to be written. Who knows if we are only 6 chapters into a 200 or 1000 page book? Our level of science/knowledge grows every year and even accelerates. With the advancements of China and India (and hopefully other developing nations) there has been, and will be, huge growth in the number of potential scientist who find or create something great and change the world.

My concern with “fusion” is that the greatest idea on the horizon (along with politics) has diverted many great minds (and funding) from improving and refining achievable nuclear technology to meet our present needs. China and India are devoting resources towards a new generation of nuclear power (that is possible today) while we skip that for something presently far beyond our grasp. Only history will know who was right and who was wrong, but I will never bet against the technology even if I don’t live to see it.

One thing we can be certain of - “something” beyond our imagination will transform the world in ways we can only dream about. The history of mankind proves it.