Because c is very large, a small amount of missing mass turns into a large amount of energy. The main fuels used in nuclear fusion devises are deuterium and tritium, both heavy isotopes of hydrogen.

Deuterium, which can be distilled from all forms ... has achieved worldwide visibility through its recent successes in direct ...

It also happens to be a promising fuel for nuclear fusion. Given its larger mass and higher relative reactivity, deuterium could, at least in theory, make nuclear fusion more plausible if ...

The experimental reactor's main goal is to create nuclear fusion like the Sun, using deuterium from the sea to provide a steady stream of clean energy.