By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On February 12th, France’s CEA WEST Tokamak reactor achieved a groundbreaking milestone in fusion energy research, sustaining a plasma reaction for over 22 minutes—surpassing a previous record set by China. This extended reaction, at temperatures of 100-150 million °C and pressures of 5-10 atmospheres, successfully maintained stability without component damage. The experiment’s success demonstrates significant progress towards a self-sustaining fusion reaction and will inform the development of larger reactors like ITER. Future experiments aim to extend reaction times to several hours at even higher temperatures.
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France has achieved a monumental leap forward in fusion energy research, successfully sustaining a plasma reaction within its WEST Tokamak reactor for a record-breaking 22 minutes. This incredible feat, accomplished on February 12th, surpasses previous achievements by a significant margin. The previous record of 10 seconds was shattered, and the 1066 seconds reached by China earlier in 2025 were dwarfed by the WEST reactor’s impressive 1337 seconds.
This wasn’t simply a matter of keeping the plasma reaction running; the test also focused on maintaining stability. The experiment aimed to prevent erosion, pollution, or malfunction of the reactor components exposed to the intense plasma. The success demonstrates significant progress in controlling and maintaining the demanding conditions necessary for sustained fusion reactions.
The CEA, the French alternative energies and atomic energy commission, has outlined future plans to extend the duration of these reactions even further, aiming for several continuous hours at increasingly higher temperatures. While the WEST reactor itself isn’t designed for commercial use, the invaluable data collected will be crucial in improving the design and operation of larger, more ambitious projects. This includes the monumental International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), currently under construction in southern France.
The achievement highlights Europe’s continued innovation in energy technology, showcasing a path towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The long-term vision is to achieve a sustained fusion reaction lasting much longer – ultimately reaching a point where the reaction can be maintained indefinitely.
The comments regarding the practical applications of this achievement are extremely interesting. The fundamental principle remains the same: boiling water to turn a turbine. While the process of generating heat is vastly different in fusion reactors compared to traditional methods, the final step of harnessing that heat for electricity generation remains strikingly similar. This highlights the enduring elegance and practicality of the steam turbine.
Several questions arise concerning the engineering challenges. The incredibly high temperatures involved raise concerns about the materials used in the reactor walls. Tungsten, a material known for its high temperature resistance, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. The design of the reactor needs to efficiently manage and transfer the immense heat generated during the fusion process, minimizing energy loss and maximizing energy extraction. The heat generated must be effectively extracted, likely through a coolant system, without incurring significant energy losses.
A common question concerns the energy balance – is the fusion process itself producing more energy than is being consumed to maintain it? At this stage, the answer is no. The current experiments require a significant external energy input to sustain the plasma, and the net energy output remains negative. The goal is not just sustained reactions but sustained reactions with a net positive energy output. The current experiments are still primarily focused on mastering the conditions necessary for sustained fusion rather than maximizing energy production.
Another intriguing area for discussion is the use of magnetic fields in controlling the plasma. The extreme temperatures involved require the use of powerful magnetic fields to contain the plasma and prevent it from interacting with the reactor walls. The success of the 22-minute experiment highlights the significant advancements made in magnetic confinement technology, crucial for sustained reactions.
Looking forward, the next major milestone is to sustain the plasma for even longer durations. This continuous progress suggests that indefinite fusion reactions are a realistic long-term goal, though significant challenges remain in terms of materials science, plasma control, and energy extraction. However, the recent record-breaking 22-minute run represents a massive step towards a future powered by the limitless energy of nuclear fusion.