Chinese scientists have achieved a new world record by maintaining plasma temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius for nearly 18 minutes with their “artificial sun,” the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This milestone not only marks a new high in the quest for clean, limitless energy but also solidifies China’s position at the forefront of fusion technology.
Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, involves combining light atomic nuclei at extreme temperatures to release vast amounts of energy. On Earth, this process is replicated in devices like EAST, where hydrogen isotopes are heated to form plasma, which is then confined by powerful magnetic fields. The goal is to achieve conditions where fusion reactions occur continuously, potentially providing a clean, nearly infinite energy source without the radioactive waste associated with nuclear fission.
The EAST reactor, situated in Hefei, Anhui Province, has been a focal point for fusion experiments since its inception in 2006. The recent record-breaking experiment saw EAST sustaining a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for an impressive 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023. This was accomplished by heating the plasma to temperatures significantly higher than the sun’s core, where fusion naturally occurs due to gravitational forces.
This breakthrough is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates progress towards one of the key requirements for commercial fusion power – maintaining stable, high-efficiency operations for long durations. Song Yuntao, Director of the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating that “A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is critical for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants.”
The experiment also showcases advancements in reactor technology, particularly in the heating systems and material durability. Upgrades to the EAST facility have included doubling the power output of its heating system, previously likened to the equivalent of 70,000 household microwave ovens, while maintaining stability and continuity.
Globally, the race for fusion energy is heating up, with countries like South Korea and international collaborations like ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in France also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. However, China’s latest achievement with EAST places it in a competitive light, potentially accelerating the timeline for fusion energy’s commercial viability.
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While this record is a monumental step, fusion energy still faces significant challenges, including achieving ignition where the reaction becomes self-sustaining, and managing the enormous engineering and economic costs associated with such technology. Despite these hurdles, the promise of fusion energy — clean, safe, and nearly limitless — keeps researchers motivated.
The Chinese government has ambitious plans for fusion energy, aiming to develop an industrial prototype reactor by 2035 and to have large-scale fusion technology commercially viable by 2050. Alongside these plans, China is actively constructing new research facilities to further the science and technology of fusion.
The recent success with EAST not only adds to the body of knowledge in fusion science but also inspires international collaboration. As fusion research progresses, it’s clear that the journey to practical fusion power will require shared insights and innovations across borders.
China’s latest achievement with the EAST reactor marks a defining moment in the narrative of fusion energy. As the world grapples with climate change and energy sustainability, the development of technologies like EAST could herald a new era of energy production. This milestone is not just a testament to Chinese scientific prowess but a beacon of hope for clean energy solutions worldwide.
