The OC Files is a new series in which we highlight a specific OC, asking what memories they have of their time at Caldicott and what amazing things they’re up to now.
In the first article of The OC Files, we interview Richard Dinan, who left Caldicott for St Edwards in 2000. He is founder of the energy company Applied Fusion Systems, later founding Pulsar Fusion, which now takes up most of his time, day and night. It is a private company that works on the development of fusion reactors, an exciting technology that will change the way the world generates its power once it comes to fruition. Pulsar Fusion has received both government and NASA funding in recent years, operating the largest privately held fusion facility in Bletchley UK, built by Dinan in 2019. He is also an author and may be a familiar face to some of you, as nine years ago he appeared in the Channel 4 television reality series Made in Chelsea.
Please tell us about Pulsar Fusion, how did you get into it and what are its goals?
After several entrepreneurial attempts, some successful, others not so, I spent 10 years studying nuclear fusion reactors and even wrote a small book on the subject The Fusion Age: Modern Nuclear Fusion Reactors.
Nuclear Fusion offers two great promises for man. One being the ability to power our planet cleanly, for so long as we are on earth. The other is to give us the speed to leave our solar system and one day, venture out to nearby stars and planets i.e. Alpha Centauri, 4.2 light years away, somewhere totally unreachable with conventional rocket motors.
The goal of the company is simple, to build clean propulsion technology and ultimately to construct a nuclear fusion rocket engine.
How can this technology help the world environmentally, and beyond, especially considering the cost of living increasing as a result of our dependence on oil?
A Fusion reaction gives off several million times more energy than a combustion or chemical reaction, 1kg of deuterium from seawater will give off more than 50,000 barrels of oil.
Are there any things the average person can do to help make the change needed to save the planet?
It is interesting that at the moment we reach the breaking point, and collectively realise the damage we are doing, happens to be the time when we finally have the technology to save ourselves. It is going to be tight, but we can replace combustion energy. I think people need to try to invest conscientiously. Try not to promote businesses that clearly permit detrimental emissions. When the public shun them, they try to greenwash. That is a step in the right direction. Education and individual efforts, i.e. turning down the thermostat when we are not using the house and being generally conscientious. We all have a part to play.
How important do you think the focus nowadays on STEAM and teaching children in school about the environment is?
I think it is clearly vital, but the trick is getting students interested. Personally, I lacked the discipline to truly commit to a subject I didn’t have any passion for at the time. I only realised my love of physics long after I had left the school system. Teachers need to try and ignite the passion at a young age, which can be easier said than done.
Do you have any advice for Caldicott boys with an interest in science?
Yes, yes and yes! Remember that imagination is equally as important as knowledge, arguably more so.
That the more you know, the more you realise you don’t know (if this isn’t you, you’re not learning!)
Remember, often it’s those who didn’t realise it couldn’t be done, that accidentally make it happen. Scientific knowledge and ambition are a powerful combination. You must learn but also try things and don’t be ashamed of failing. Only the knowing and the doing gets it done!
Finally, do you remember much from your time at Caldicott?
It was a happy school and I have fond memories. In my time, I was lucky enough to have had good people as teachers. I remember Giles Tollit and Chris Masterman showed me a great deal of integrity and kindness which is very important at that age.
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Find out more about Pulsar Fusion on their website www.pulsarfusion.com, Twitter @pulsarfusion and Instagram @pulsar_uk.
