China has achieved a major milestone in nuclear fusion technology, with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as the “artificial sun,” sustaining plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius for an unprecedented 1,000 seconds. This achievement surpasses its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023, marking a significant step toward realizing fusion energy as a practical, sustainable power source.
Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, involves merging atomic nuclei to release massive amounts of energy. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy atoms and produces hazardous waste, fusion generates minimal environmental impact, no greenhouse gases, and far less risk of accidents or misuse of materials.
Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted the importance of prolonged plasma stability:
“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.”
Although EAST has not yet achieved “ignition,” where the fusion reaction becomes self-sustaining, this record demonstrates substantial progress in stabilizing plasma for extended periods, a critical hurdle in fusion technology.
Since its inception in 2006, EAST has completed hundreds of thousands of tests. Encouraged by its success, China has begun constructing next-generation fusion research facilities in Anhui Province to accelerate the practical application of fusion energy.
Song emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing fusion technology, expressing hope that EAST would serve as a platform for global partnerships.
Fusion energy is considered the “holy grail” of energy due to its potential to provide a near-unlimited, clean, and sustainable power source. By mimicking the sun’s natural reaction, fusion technology could address global energy crises and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. It also holds promise for powering long-term space exploration, enabling humanity’s ambitions beyond the solar system.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy shortages, breakthroughs like this bring the dream of fusion-powered energy closer to reality. The success of EAST underscores the growing importance of nuclear fusion in shaping a sustainable energy future for the planet.
