China’s ambitious nuclear fusion project, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), commonly referred to as the “artificial sun,” has reached a groundbreaking milestone in fusion energy research. In a historic achievement, EAST successfully maintained a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds—an unprecedented feat that sets a new world record. This significant breakthrough, accomplished on Monday, represents a major step toward the development of fusion power as a clean, limitless energy source.
Pushing the Boundaries of Fusion Research
The ability to sustain plasma at extremely high temperatures for a prolonged duration is a crucial requirement in fusion energy development. EAST’s new record of 1,066 seconds far surpasses the previous record of 403 seconds, which was also set by the same reactor in 2023. This achievement was made possible by researchers at the Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Nuclear fusion has long been considered the “holy grail” of energy production, as it has the potential to provide an abundant and sustainable energy source. Fusion mimics the same process that powers the sun, where atomic nuclei fuse under extreme temperatures and pressure to release massive amounts of energy. Unlike conventional nuclear fission, which produces radioactive waste and carries risks of catastrophic failure, fusion is safer and generates minimal waste.
For more than 70 years, scientists around the world have been working toward the dream of harnessing nuclear fusion for electricity generation. However, achieving sustained plasma operation at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius presents enormous technical and engineering challenges. The latest success of EAST marks a critical step forward in overcoming these hurdles and brings humanity closer to a future powered by fusion energy.
The Importance of Long-Term Plasma Stability
Achieving long-term plasma stability is one of the biggest challenges in fusion research. The self-sustaining circulation of plasma is essential for continuous power generation in future fusion plants. To put this into perspective, a fusion reactor must maintain high efficiency for thousands of seconds to ensure stable operation.
According to SONG Yuntao, director of ASIPP and vice president of HFIPS, the recent breakthrough is a milestone in the progress of nuclear fusion. “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,” SONG explained.
This achievement not only demonstrates China’s growing expertise in fusion research but also contributes valuable knowledge to global efforts in nuclear fusion technology. By consistently pushing the boundaries of fusion energy, EAST is laying the foundation for the development of commercial fusion reactors in the future.
Advancements in Heating and Stability
The success of EAST’s latest experiment is largely attributed to significant upgrades made to several key systems within the device. One of the most notable improvements is the enhancement of its heating system. Previously, EAST operated at a power output equivalent to 70,000 household microwave ovens. Now, with an upgraded system, the power output has effectively doubled, while maintaining operational stability and continuity.
According to Gong Xianzu, head of the EAST Physics and Experimental Operations division, these upgrades have played a vital role in extending the duration of plasma confinement. “The improvements in heating technology and operational stability have been instrumental in achieving this new record,” Gong stated. These advancements have not only improved the efficiency of plasma confinement but also provided valuable data for the design and optimization of future fusion reactors.
Since its launch in 2006, EAST has served as a leading platform for both Chinese and international scientists to conduct fusion-related experiments. The facility has continuously contributed to breakthroughs in high-confinement mode—a fundamental aspect of experimental fusion reactors. Each new discovery and milestone achieved at EAST brings researchers closer to developing commercially viable fusion energy.
China’s Role in Global Fusion Research
China has played a prominent role in international fusion research, actively participating in large-scale collaborative projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). In 2006, China officially joined the ITER program as its seventh member. Under this agreement, China is responsible for approximately 9 percent of the project’s construction and operational costs. ASIPP serves as the primary institution for China’s contributions to ITER.
ITER, currently being built in southern France, is set to become the world’s largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment and the largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor once completed. The insights gained from EAST’s advancements are expected to provide crucial references for ITER’s operations, as well as for future fusion reactors such as China’s own China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR).
The EAST project has demonstrated China’s commitment to leading global efforts in fusion energy development. By fostering international collaboration and sharing scientific advancements, China is accelerating the pace at which fusion energy could become a practical energy source for the world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fusion Energy
In Hefei, Anhui Province, where EAST is located, additional experimental fusion research facilities are currently under construction. These next-generation facilities aim to push fusion research even further, with the goal of making fusion energy a reality within the next few decades.
“We hope to expand international collaboration via EAST and bring fusion energy into practical use for humanity,” SONG Yuntao remarked. His statement reflects the broader vision of nuclear fusion research—to develop an energy source that is not only abundant and efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
Fusion energy has the potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape. Unlike fossil fuels, fusion does not produce greenhouse gases, making it a cleaner alternative for addressing the world’s energy demands while combating climate change. Additionally, fusion fuel sources, such as deuterium and tritium, are derived from readily available materials like seawater, ensuring a virtually limitless supply of energy.
While challenges remain in developing a fully operational fusion power plant, the recent success of EAST demonstrates that scientists are making steady progress toward this goal. The advancements achieved in China’s artificial sun project serve as a beacon of hope for a future where clean and sustainable fusion power becomes a reality.
EAST maintained a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds on Monday. (Image by HFIPS)
Conclusion
The record-breaking 1,066-second plasma operation achieved by EAST marks a historic milestone in fusion energy research. This achievement not only sets a new world record but also reinforces the feasibility of sustained nuclear fusion as a future energy source. The advancements made in heating technology, stability, and international collaboration highlight China’s significant contributions to the global pursuit of fusion energy.
As research continues, the knowledge gained from projects like EAST will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy production. With sustained efforts and global cooperation, the dream of harnessing nuclear fusion for clean, limitless energy is closer than ever to becoming a reality. The journey toward a fusion-powered world is long and challenging, but breakthroughs like this bring humanity one step closer to an energy revolution.
Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences
