China has conducted another major nuclear fusion experiment in its quest to create a new source of energy. According to a report, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor, dubbed China’s ‘artificial sun’, sustained plasma for 1,000 seconds, breaking the record of 403 seconds set in 2023. biologyCiting Chinese media reports.
Developing nuclear fusion for energy needs has long been a goal of scientists but reaching temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius and maintaining its long-term operation has always proven to be a challenge. However, by stabilizing the system for 1,000 seconds, scientists believe a major milestone has been achieved in the pursuit of improving the technology.
Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics, said, “A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is critical for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants. ” The Chinese Academy of Sciences told Chinese state media.
Mr. Song said, “We hope to expand international cooperation through EAST and put fusion energy into practical use for humanity.”
The nuclear reactor has yet to achieve ignition, which is the point at which nuclear fusion creates its energy and sustains reactions. However, the new record is an encouraging step toward maintaining the long-term confined plasma loops that could power future reactors.
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pre and nuclear fusion
Chinese scientists have been operating EAST since 2006 and the reactor has completed hundreds of thousands of tests so far. Encouraged by the success of EAST, China has already begun construction of a new generation of experimental fusion research facilities in Anhui province in eastern China, aiming to further accelerate the application and development of fusion energy.
Scientists consider nuclear fusion the holy grail of energy. It powers our Sun because the fusion of atomic nuclei creates enormous amounts of energy, unlike the fission process used in nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants, where the heavy atom splits into many smaller atoms. .
Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and reduces the risk of accidents or theft of nuclear material. By mimicking the Sun’s natural response, scientists are hoping the technology can help harness nearly unlimited amounts of energy and help fight the energy crisis as well as power humanity’s exploration beyond the solar system. Can provide.
