Germany is heavily investing in nuclear fusion technology, allocating €1.7 billion to build the world’s first fusion reactor. This ambitious plan is part of the country’s energy transition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and secure its energy supply, phasing out fossil fuels and nuclear power. Proponents believe fusion can provide clean, safe, and reliable energy in the future, fostering innovation and technological sovereignty, however, critics suggest the funding would be better spent on existing renewable projects. Despite the debate, experts predict the technology could become commercially viable within the next two decades, if sufficient investment continues.
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In a significant breakthrough, France’s WEST tokamak achieved a sustained plasma for over 22 minutes, a crucial milestone for future nuclear fusion power plants. This surpasses the previous record held by China’s EAST, demonstrating improved operational stability. The achievement showcases researchers’ ability to maintain tough operating conditions without machine breakdown and highlights the importance of long, stable plasma operation. This progress, alongside other achievements like the JET facility’s energy output record, contributes to the development of reliable fusion energy. This research informs the operation of larger devices like ITER, advancing the technology from laboratory experiments to plant-relevant scenarios, while also prioritizing component durability and controlled fuel and exhaust management for safer operation.
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The Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Germany recently set a new record for plasma duration in a nuclear fusion reactor, sustaining fusion reactions for 43 seconds. This marks a significant breakthrough, achieving the “triple product” performance level crucial for viable nuclear fusion. Stellarators, unlike tokamaks, can sustain plasma with less power, offering design flexibility and easier plasma control. Using hydrogen ions, fusion reactors avoid toxic waste production unlike fission reactors.
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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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China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) achieved a new world record, maintaining a high-confinement plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds. This surpasses the previous record held by the same project and represents a significant advancement in fusion energy research. The milestone demonstrates progress towards a self-sustaining fusion reaction, crucial for future clean energy production. This success builds upon prior achievements, including reaching 100 million degrees Celsius in 2018, and positions EAST as a leader in international fusion research efforts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker