Advancements in Nuclear Fusion Technology

Recent Milestone in China

An experimental nuclear fusion reactor in China recently maintained its operational state for over 1,000 seconds (over 17 minutes), setting a new record. This milestone was achieved by the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor, located at the Institute of Plasma Physics in Anhui province.

• Fusion in the Sun: Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun and stars. Scientists aim to recreate this to generate electricity.
• Technological Challenge: The Chinese reactor did not produce electricity or carry out a fusion reaction; it maintained plasma in a steady state, a major step towards achieving fusion-based reactors.

Extreme Conditions for Fusion

Fusion reactions require very high temperatures, more than the Sun's core, turning matter into a plasma state formed by positively and negatively charged particles.

• Magnetic Confinement: Plasma must be contained within strong magnetic fields, as it cannot be contained by any material.
• Delicate Process: The configuration is unstable, and the slightest magnetic field change can disrupt the setup.

Energy Source of the Future

Fusion technology has been in development for over 70 years with slow progress. Forecasts suggest commercial-scale electricity production may not happen before 2050.

• Pathways to Net-Zero: Current global energy transition pathways do not incorporate fusion electricity due to its uncertain commercialization timeline.
• Benefits: Fusion promises high energy output, use of abundant and cheap fuels (deuterium and tritium), zero emissions, and no hazardous waste.

Recent Breakthroughs

• JET Laboratory (UK): In Dec 2021, JET produced about 12 MW of electricity for five seconds.
• US Reactor: Achieved a net gain in energy, an essential step for viable fusion.
• Chinese EAST Reactor: Continuous improvements with record-breaking operational times.

Growing Optimism and Investments

• Global Interest: 163 fusion reactors are operational, under construction, or planned in 30 countries.
• Investment Surge: Private companies received $6.2 billion in investments in 2023, indicating growing interest.

Notable Projects

• Helion (USA): Plans to generate 50 MW electricity by 2028.
• Commonwealth Fusion Systems: Collaborating with MIT to produce 400 MW electricity by the early 2030s.
• ITER Project: The largest international fusion reactor in southern France, involving over 30 countries including India, aiming to produce 500 MW fusion power by 2039.