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Chinese artificial sun achieves record-setting milestone towards fusion power generation
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Chinese artificial sun achieves record-setting milestone towards fusion power generation
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 27, 2025

The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as China's "artificial sun," has achieved a significant scientific achievement by maintaining high-confinement plasma operation for an unprecedented 1,066 seconds. This record-setting performance, achieved on Monday, marks a major advancement in the quest for fusion-based energy generation.

The accomplishment, led by the Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, surpasses EAST's previous world record of 403 seconds set in 2023. The milestone represents a critical step forward in efforts to replicate the nuclear fusion process that powers the sun, a process that could provide an abundant and clean energy source for humanity.

Achieving such a milestone is no small feat, as nuclear fusion research presents immense challenges. Key hurdles include achieving and sustaining temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius, maintaining operational stability for extended periods, and controlling the intricate dynamics of the fusion process.

"A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is essential for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants," said SONG Yuntao, director of ASIPP and vice president of HFIPS. SONG emphasized that this achievement is a monumental step towards realizing a practical fusion reactor.

GONG Xianzu, who leads EAST's Physics and Experimental Operations division, noted that significant upgrades to the system were key to this success. For instance, EAST's heating system, previously operating at the equivalent power of around 70,000 household microwave ovens, has doubled its output power while maintaining consistent stability and performance.

Since its inception in 2006, EAST has been an open platform for Chinese and international scientists to conduct experiments and advance fusion research. China joined the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) program in 2006 as its seventh member, committing to around 9 percent of the project's construction and operational responsibilities. ASIPP serves as the primary institution for China's contributions to ITER, which is being built in southern France and will be the largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor in the world upon completion.

EAST's recent advancements in high-confinement mode, a critical operational state for experimental reactors like ITER and the future China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR), have provided valuable insights for the global scientific community. These developments help pave the way for the eventual application of fusion energy on a practical scale.

"We hope to expand international collaboration via EAST and bring fusion energy into practical use for humanity," SONG added.

Located in Hefei, Anhui Province, EAST is part of a growing network of experimental fusion facilities in China. These new installations aim to further accelerate the development and application of fusion technologies, contributing to the global effort to achieve sustainable and clean energy.

Related Links
Hefei Institutes of Physical Scienece
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com

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