- China’s EAST reactor sustained a stable fusion reaction for 17 minutes and 46 seconds, breaking its 2023 record.
- If harnessed successfully, fusion power could provide an infinite, carbon-free energy source.
- Research from EAST will contribute to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France.
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often called an “artificial sun,” has set a new world record by maintaining a stable nuclear fusion reaction for nearly 18 minutes. This achievement is a significant step toward developing clean, limitless energy, bringing scientists closer to making nuclear fusion a practical reality, reports Yahoo.
Why Nuclear Fusion is a Game Changer
Unlike nuclear fission, which powers today’s nuclear plants and generates radioactive waste, nuclear fusion is a much cleaner process.
Fusion reactors work by forcing hydrogen nuclei to bond, releasing immense energy without the harmful byproducts of fission. If fully developed, fusion energy could replace fossil fuels and power the world with zero carbon emissions.
The Scientific Challenge of Fusion Energy
Achieving stable fusion reactions for long durations is incredibly complex. To generate continuous power, reactors must maintain a high-temperature plasma for extended periods. As Song Yuntao, director of the Chinese Academy of Science’s Institute of Plasma Physics, explains:
“A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma.”
EAST’s latest success marks another step toward achieving this goal.
A Global Effort: The Future of Fusion Energy
The breakthroughs at EAST will contribute to developing the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a major fusion project under construction in France. Scientists worldwide are working together to refine fusion technology, making it more efficient and scalable for real-world applications.
China has been working on EAST for nearly 20 years, upgrading the system since it first went online in 2006. With ongoing research and international collaboration, the dream of practical fusion power is moving closer to reality.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Yahoo
