While chatting, the group soon arrived at the east project laboratory.
"Director Zhang, this is Dean Chen Benrong of the Feicheng Branch of the Oriental Academy of Sciences, a well-known federal nuclear physics expert, a leader in the field of 'controllable nuclear fusion', and the general manager of the Oriental Hyperloop project."
Vice Mayor He solemnly introduced.
Zhang Hao quickly held the other party's hand: "Dean Chen, I have admired you for a long time."
"Director Zhang, welcome."
Chen Benrong seemed very enthusiastic.
Since the eruption of the Sulfonite volcano, the world's landscape has undergone subversive changes. Their institute has also been deeply affected, and many core projects are facing funding shortages or being cut.
There is no way, who told them that the projects here are generally biased towards basic scientific research, which means there is not much commercial value, and they all rely on the financial budget to survive.
"Dean Chen, if you can, can you show us around the laboratory?"
"Of course, no problem. The laboratory has been closed for more than half a year. I will take you there now."
After Chen Benrong finished speaking, he led everyone to the locker room, and then uniformly changed into clean clothes.
The laboratory is not as grand as imagined. In the middle is an experimental device similar to the shape of a boiler. According to Dean Chen, its full name is called non-circular cross-section fully superconducting tokamak.
"Dean Chen, I would like to ask, at what stage is our controllable nuclear fusion research currently at?"
Zhang Hao asked casually.
Chen Benrong couldn't help but sigh after hearing this:
"Research on controllable nuclear fusion began long before the establishment of the Federation. More than a century has passed since then. It can be said that the project has gathered the world's top scientists, but it is still in the preliminary exploration stage.
”
Zhang Hao nodded clearly: "Then in another fifty years, can we see hope of success?"
"If it were a normal year, the possibility would be very small, but fortunately today is different from the past. With the intensification of the energy crisis, our east project has great potential. It is just the right time. It is estimated that there will be a big explosion soon.
,50 years is not impossible."
Dean Chen said with confidence.
"Dean Chen, do you think that if controllable nuclear fusion is really successful? Will electricity be free in the future?" Zhang Hao said with a smile.
In the past few days, he has read too much information related to controllable nuclear fusion, and he is full of optimism and unlimited reverie about its future prospects.
Chen Benrong shook his head directly: "It's impossible. First of all, trillions of scientific research investments have been spent to study controllable nuclear fusion. Next, I'm afraid we need to invest trillions, or even tens of trillions. These costs will definitely be
Take it back.
In addition, the cost of electricity generated by 'controlled nuclear fusion' technology is not low. The only advantage is that it is large in quantity and environmentally friendly, and can be used by all mankind for thousands of years.
Unlike coal and other mineral energy sources, which will be exhausted within a hundred years at most, according to the current environmental analysis, controllable nuclear fusion may be the only way out."
"That's it, I've learned a lesson."
Zhang Hao finally had a clearer understanding.
Dean Chen finally concluded: "To use an Internet famous saying, 'the future is bright but the road is tortuous', it is more suitable to describe this project."
"Dean Chen, I also want to ask a question."
"What does Mr. Zhang want to ask?"
"Before coming here, I read some information about controllable nuclear fusion. What I want to ask is, does EAST have the highest success rate among all projects of the same type?"
Zhang Hao asked a very realistic question.
Although he is happy to do "public welfare", he does not want the money he has worked so hard to earn to go to waste.
Chen Benrong shook his head slightly: "Although our project is located in the world's number one group, we can't guarantee that our success rate will be higher than others. We are engaged in scientific research... No one knows the final result until the last step."
"Dean Chen, the theory of cold nuclear fusion appeared in the past few years. The principle is to vibrate deuterated acetone at a certain frequency, and it is found that nuclear fusion occurs in the tiny bubbles generated.
There is a movie "Prisoners" based on this. Is this theory true? Is there any research and development value?"
Zhang Hao took the opportunity to ask.
The old research direction has been studied for more than a hundred years, but there is still no dawn. If you change your thinking appropriately, you may have unexpected gains.
"Haha..." Chen Benrong smiled and waved his hand, "At present, the claims about cold fusion can basically be considered pseudoscience because they are considered irreproducible and lack theoretical basis."
"It seems I'm overthinking."
Zhang Hao smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"Director Zhang, doing scientific research requires patience, especially for super large projects like controllable nuclear fusion. You can only chew on it bone by bone. There are no shortcuts." Chen Benrong said earnestly.
"I understand." Zhang Hao nodded solemnly, and then said bluntly: "Dean Chen, I believe you already know my purpose. I want to hear your opinions?"
"Before answering this question, I also have a question to ask Director Zhang."
"Please tell me?"
"How much money is Director Zhang willing to invest? Or put another way, how much loss can you bear, Director Zhang?" Chen Benrong said bluntly.
Zhang Hao thought about it for a while and answered:
"I don't know the specific number. It may be hundreds of billions, or it may be trillions..."
Chen Benrong didn't respond yet, and Vice Mayor He on the side was shocked: "One trillion? Director Zhang, are you right?"
If based on last year's federal rich list, a fortune of one trillion would rank in the top ten. He really couldn't imagine that the other party would be so willing.
After all, the "controllable nuclear fusion" project may not be able to see results in our lifetime. The investment cycle is too long, and the risks are not small at all.
"Mayor He, I just said it was possible." Zhang Hao immediately explained: "I promised Governor Ji before that every penny I earn from Southeast Fisheries will be invested in this project."
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"Is Southeast Fisheries so profitable?"
There was a burst of exclamations at the scene.
"It depends on luck. To be honest, the purchase price given to me by the WFP is one hundred yuan per catty, and I hold a total of 7% of the shares. In theory, as long as I can catch 100 million tons of fish
If I get it, I can get trillions of yuan in profits."
Zhang Hao lightly tapped the experimental device in front of him.
"Awesome! One trillion? It's a number that's really unimaginable." Vice Mayor He said with sincerity.
Zhang Hao hinted intentionally or unintentionally: "Thanks to the support from above, otherwise, even if I could get so much money, I wouldn't be able to keep so much wealth."
"I didn't expect that the higher-ups would pay so much attention to 'east'?"
Vice Mayor He quickly figured out the inside story. To be honest, he regretted it at the moment. It might have been a wrong decision to hand over East.
However, considering the economic strength of Feicheng, they cannot afford such a big cake. It seems that they should have a good chat with Mayor Liu when they return.
Even if you can't eat the pie this time, you should at least get a share of it, otherwise you'll be at a huge disadvantage.
"As the saying goes, 'If you don't think long-term, you will have immediate worries.' We are more concerned about immediate gains and losses. We must not only consider the present, but also what will happen decades from now. After all, the energy problem is more serious than ever." Zhang Hao echoed on the spot.
After hearing what he just said, Dean Chen's face suddenly filled with excitement. The people in the upper echelons are not just idlers. They really stand higher than ordinary people and can see further.
"Director Zhang, if there is really one trillion, then our project will be saved. Even if it does not succeed, it will be able to move forward a lot."
Zhang Hao promptly reminded: "Dean Chen, don't be too optimistic. What I said is only possible. According to normal logic, the high probability is only 100 billion."
"One hundred billion is quite a lot. It is our total investment in almost 20 years."
Chen Benrong said indifferently.
How much the other party invests is of little significance. The main thing is that he can see the official attitude from it. This is the most exciting part.
Although the Sulfonite Volcano has brought serious disasters to the whole world, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the east project.
If "controllable nuclear fusion" can really be conquered, human civilization will rise to a higher level, and it may be called "misfortunes are where blessings depend."
"Dean Chen, since you don't have any objections, let me tell you my initial thoughts. If there is anything inappropriate, we can discuss it together."
"Okay, Mr. Zhang, please tell me."
Chen Benrong brought everyone back to the office.
There's nothing to see here in the laboratory.
Zhang Hao picked up the water glass and took a sip of water, taking the opportunity to organize his words:
"My idea is actually very simple. I am planning to register a new energy company. I will personally be responsible for all investments and hold 30% of the shares.
Your Oriental Institute of Science and Technology invested in technology, personnel and experimental equipment, and also holds 30% of the shares. As for the final 40% of the shares, it belongs to the Zhucheng official."
"Director Zhang, I can't make the decision personally. I need to report to the headquarters of Oriental Academy of Science and Technology. I think there will be no objection from the higher ups."
"It's not urgent at the moment. I can wait for your good news." Zhang Hao nodded quickly.
"Director Zhang, I want to ask another question?"
Dean Chen then asked.
"Ask!"
"If, I mean...if all the money is spent and the project still doesn't succeed, then what should we do next?"
Zhang Hao said without hesitation: "It's simple. When I can't do anything, the Federation will take over the entire company. I believe you can see the determination above."
"Director Zhang, with all due respect, once the federation intervenes, I'm afraid you won't be able to recoup much of your investment. Do you have to think carefully?"
Chen Benrong reminded softly.
As an up-and-coming scientist, he can't do that kind of thing to deceive investors.
"It doesn't matter. If you can't take it back, you can't take it back." Zhang Hao smiled and waved his hand, "I didn't want to make money at first. As the old saying goes, the poor are good for themselves, and the wise are good for the world. I just hope to do something for future generations.
Do whatever you can."
But having said that, once "controllable nuclear fusion" is actually commercialized, even if he only holds a small share of the shares, it will be enough for the old Zhang family to have a golden job and benefit endlessly.
Vice Mayor He took the lead in applauding: "Director Zhang, you are so courageous. I know quite a few businessmen, but none of them can compare to you.
Don't look at the big overseas capitalists who frequently make naked donations. In fact, they are just wearing white gloves, and their main purpose is to avoid taxes.
It is simply unheard of for you to invest as much real money as you, Mr. Zhang, with hundreds of billions or even trillions of wealth, such a huge amount of wealth, I can't bear to think about it."
"Pa bang bang..."
There was a round of applause in the office.
Regardless of whether it was true or false, everyone had to give a thumbs up. Today was an eye-opener.
Zhang Hao bowed his hands to everyone and said modestly:
"I am not as great as everyone thinks. If I were not optimistic about the future of 'controllable nuclear fusion', I would not have invested so much money."
Chen Benrong couldn't help but interjected: "Director Zhang, you don't have to be modest. There are many people who are optimistic about this project, but there are only a few who are really willing to invest..."
"Okay, Dean Chen, let's get down to business." Zhang Hao interrupted, "How many people are there in our project team now? Are you willing to move to Zhucheng? What is the attitude of Eastern University of Science and Technology?"
"Don't worry, Director Zhang, we are all following the project. Besides, Zhucheng is now the capital, and the conditions are definitely better than Feicheng. Everyone is unwilling.
As for the employees, there are full-time employees, about 700 people; there are also part-time employees, about 300 people; there are also no less than several hundred project consultants, and these people do not get paid."
"How do you plan to deal with part-time staff and consultants?" Zhang Hao frowned.
"Many of the part-time workers are doctoral students and graduate students. Some of them can follow, and the rest may have to complete their studies at Eastern University of Science and Technology.
Relatively speaking, consultants are relatively simple. Many of them are not in Feicheng, and everyone usually studies together online."
Zhang Hao nodded: "Then just move those who are willing to go there directly! Some qualified non-staff employees can also go there. Everything in the new company will have to start from scratch, and there is a huge shortage of people."
"Director Zhang, are you too cruel? We don't have many high-level talents in Feicheng, why don't you just recruit them all for us at once?"
Vice Mayor He quickly complained.
"Mayor He, the current situation is special. We should unite as one and overcome the difficulties together. Now is not the time to talk about local protectionism.
Besides, I invested 10 billion in Feicheng, should I be able to make up for this loss? No, I can invest more."
Zhang Hao explained with a wry smile.
Vice Mayor He took the opportunity to test and said: "Director Zhang, high-level talents are hard to come by, so you can't let us suffer too much. Otherwise, can we in Feicheng also take a share in your new company? In this way, everyone
As a family, there is no distinction between inside and outside."
"Is this your personal opinion? Or the city's opinion?" Zhang Hao was a little surprised.
After all, a project like "controllable nuclear fusion" is simply a bottomless pit, and no amount of money is enough to invest in it.
Moreover, finances from the central to local governments are very tight right now, so Feicheng is actually willing to "throw himself into the trap"?