This latest advance represents a big step towards controlled nuclear fusiona process that involves combining atomic nuclei to release large amounts of energy.
Creating an advanced magnetic field structure
Chinese scientists have achieved a revolutionary milestone in nuclear fusion. Have discovered “for the first time in the world” an advanced magnetic field structure using the Huanliu-3 (HL-3) tokamak, also known as China’s “artificial sun.”
The discovery is the result of the first round of joint international experiments carried out on the HL-3 tokamak, a project that will open to global collaboration in late 2023.
International efforts in research
According to the Chinese Media Group, the experiments involved 17 renowned research institutes and universities from around the worldincluding the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission of France and Kyoto University in Japan.
This reaffirms China’s commitment to international cooperation to address the global energy crisis.
Tokamak HL-3: leading nuclear fusion device
The HL-3 tokamak has been independently designed and developed by China. Furthermore, it is the largest and most advanced nuclear fusion device in the country.
It reproduces the sun’s energy generation process through controlled nuclear fusion, a cutting-edge technology with immense potential to solve global energy and environmental challenges.
Advances in research into nuclear fusion by magnetic confinement
In August 2023, the HL-3 tokamak achieved an important milestone by successfully operating with a plasma current of 1 million amperes. This experiment cemented China’s position at the forefront of magnetic confinement nuclear fusion research.
This latest advance is crucial to controlling and confining the superheated plasma within the tokamak.
Importance of controlled nuclear fusion
The Controlled nuclear fusion has long been considered the holy grail of energy researchsince it promises a clean and practically inexhaustible source of energy.
China’s push for clean energy solutions
China has actively promoted international cooperation in the field of nuclear energyas demonstrated by recent partnerships with France, including joint research initiatives and contributions to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project.
By opening the HL-3 tokamak to international collaboration and actively participating in global nuclear energy initiatives, China is demonstrating its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and the response to the growing global demand for energy.
Significant advance in plasma physics and fusion technology
The innovative magnetic configuration discovered by the international team of scientists represents a breakthrough in plasma physics and fusion technology.
This development represents a significant progress towards clean energy sources.
Competition in the race for the artificial sun
Besides, the Global race to harness energy from the “artificial sun” also continues to heat up.
Recently, the South Korean reactor of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) achieved an important milestone by reaching temperatures seven times higher than those of the core of the sun.
“To develop fusion energy, it is essential to achieve the technology that allows high-temperature, high-density plasmas to be maintained for longer periods of time in which fusion reactions occur more actively,” stated the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy at the time ( KFE).
