China’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Breaks Nuclear Fusion Record, Sustains Plasma Loop for 1,066 Seconds

China’s “artificial sun,” the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), has set a new world record by maintaining a plasma loop for 1,066 seconds—more than doubling its previous record of 403 seconds. This milestone brings scientists closer to achieving nuclear fusion, a process that mimics the sun’s energy generation. Fusion offers the potential for abundant, clean energy without greenhouse gas emissions or significant nuclear waste. While practical fusion power remains decades away, this achievement highlights progress in sustaining plasma required for future fusion power plants.

China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the “artificial sun,” has set a new world record by maintaining a steady, highly confined plasma loop for 1,066 seconds on January 20, 2025. This achievement more than doubles its previous record of 403 seconds, marking a significant step toward achieving near-limitless clean energy.

Nuclear fusion, the process of fusing two light atoms into a heavier atom under immense heat and pressure, mimics the energy-generation method of the sun. While the sun relies on its massive pressure, Earth’s reactors compensate by reaching temperatures much higher than the sun’s core. Fusion power promises an abundant energy source without greenhouse gas emissions or significant nuclear waste.

EAST, a magnetic confinement reactor (tokamak), is designed to sustain prolonged plasma burning, a critical requirement for future fusion power plants. Although achieving “ignition”—where fusion sustains itself without external energy input—remains a challenge, this milestone demonstrates progress toward self-sustaining plasma circulation.

According to Song Yuntao, director at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stable, high-efficiency operation over thousands of seconds is essential for the continuous power generation envisioned in fusion plants. While practical fusion power is still decades away, EAST’s achievement represents a significant step toward realizing the “Holy Grail” of clean energy.

Disclaimer
The information provided is based on available reports as of January 2025. Nuclear fusion is still under development and not yet a commercially viable energy solution. For precise updates and technical details, refer to official sources or scientific publications.

source : livescience