6/18/2010
Ryan C as tilloux is a 2 8 - year- old In order to grasp the energy future of tomorrow one must first appreciate how far we
C anadian geologis t with a bac kground
in mining and exploration. H e
graduated from L aurentian U nivers ity
in Sudbury, C anada with a Bac helor of
S c ienc e degree in G eology with
H onours . H e is c urrently a partic ipant
in the I nternational Full- time M B A
programme at the Rotterdam Sc hool
of M anagement in Rotterdam, T he
N etherlands where he is als o
P res ident of the Student A s s oc iation
and the rec ipient of the 2 0 1 0
RSM /Shell C orporate Sc holars hip
A ward. Ryan is an avid traveler with a
pas s ion for the environment and
bus ines s s us tainability. I n his free
time he enjoys photography, reading
and s nowboarding.
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Top 10 Finalists
have come during the last century. From horse and buggy at the turn of the 20th century
to the first lunar landing by humans in 1969, the progress mankind has made in such a
short period of time is simply unfathomable.
Herein, I propose a w orkable and innovative model for securing a sustainable energy
future for the world. At the heart of this model lies a remarkable isotope, helium-3. This
light, non-radioactive isotope is rare on Earth, but present in significant quantities in the
surface layer of the moon. As the globe moves tow ards greener, more sustainable
energy solutions, helium-3 offers w hat many consider to be the ideal super fuel for the
21st century and beyond.
A Remarkable Energy Source
W hat makes helium-3 such a remarkable isotope is the chemical and physical properties it
exhibits. Firstly, it is non-radioactive and can be used as a fusion fuel in w hich the reaction
products are aneutronic. This alleviates the need for large, high-maintenance reactors that
are required when dealing w ith radioactive fusion products. Secondly, the proton (or
protons) produced by helium-3 fusion can be contained using magnetic or electric fields,
resulting in direct electricity generation. The efficiency of this conversion is remarkably high
compared to other fusion fuels, w ith helium-3 fusion reactions offering a potential energy
conversion efficiency of 70%. Thirdly, liberation of helium from the moons upper layer, a
non-consolidated sedimentary horizon of space dust and sand, is technically simple
requiring only that the hosting sediment be heated and agitated. This process can be
carried out on the moon by harnessing unfiltered solar radiation as a means of generating
the heat required. Once liberated, specialty membranes can be employed to separate
helium-3 from its terrestrially common cousin, helium-4.
An International Coalition
As civilizations dependency on fossil fuels continues to escalate, society is challenged with
an uncertain energy future. Earths population is growing relentlessly while
industrialization and development are at unprecedented levels. Unless society adopts an
alternative to fossil fuels w e are headed for an inevitable crisis in the 21st century.
W ithout relief on the grow ing energy needs of the world, society is posed w ith an energy
future in w hich armed conflict, political policy or wealth determine ones access to energy.
A global society must merge interests going forw ard, not only to secure a sustainable
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