warning, metaphor redefinitions ahead

Flogging a dead horse = Keeping mathematicians off welfare = NASA getting as much taxpayer money as possible for as many years as possible.

Also see "The greatest leap forward in energy production in our lifetimes:

[newyorker.com]"

There have been similar announcements for the last 50 years I am aware of.
Fusion energy is just around the corner is touted every year at least once.
Hopefully we will still be alive to see the day when they actually can make it work.
Perhaps there are as yet undiscovered forms of energy we should be seeking?
In regard to Fusion energy perhaps we are flogging a near dead horse?