China’s Artificial Sun: 17-Minute Breakthrough!

What is Nuclear Fusion Energy and Why is it Important?

1. The Principle of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the way the sun produces energy, a process where light atomic nuclei (hydrogen) fuse into heavier nuclei (helium), releasing energy.
Based on Einstein’s formula E=mc², a massive amount of energy is generated when mass decreases.
For example, 1g of hydrogen fusion can produce energy for 300,000 households for a year. This offers efficiency unmatched by fossil fuels.

2. Why an Artificial Sun?

Existing energy resources like oil and gas are finite and cause environmental pollution.
Nuclear fusion is clean energy, emitting no carbon dioxide, and its fuel resources (hydrogen and helium) are virtually limitless.
If achieved, it can perfectly solve the energy problem.

3. Key Conditions for Nuclear Fusion

Ultra-high temperature of 100 million degrees: This temperature is necessary to create a plasma state and fuse protons.
Fuel supply: Deuterium and tritium, extracted from seawater, are used.
Plasma control device: Because plasma is charged, it must be stably confined through a powerful magnetic field.

China’s Artificial Sun ‘EAST’ Sets New Record

1. Records Achieved by China

The Chinese Academy of Sciences succeeded in maintaining a plasma of over **100 million degrees** for **1066 seconds** through a tokamak device called **EAST**.
This exceeds the previous record of **43 seconds** (announced in 2022) and is the **world’s longest duration record**.

2. Features of EAST

China adopted the **Tokamak** method using superconducting magnets.
This method is suitable for nuclear fusion research due to its ability to stably maintain plasma, and it is currently used by major countries including South Korea and the United States.
The high temperature and stability achieved by EAST indicate a rapid approach to the commercialization stage.

3. How was it Possible?

China increased the chances of success through continuous experiments with tremendous capital and investment in equipment.
By conducting more than 150,000 experiments since 2006, they accumulated stability, and researchers made a breakthrough by working 24 hours a day in three shifts.
The research budget was about twice that of South Korea, allowing for continuous investment and resource acquisition.

Nuclear Fusion Trends in South Korea and the United States

1. South Korea’s KSTAR

South Korea succeeded in maintaining a 100-million-degree plasma for about **30 seconds** in 2022 through a tokamak device called **KSTAR**.
Based on ion heating technology, they succeeded in suppressing turbulence, which was recognized as a world-first milestone.
They are continuing research with the goal of commercialization by 2030.

2. US Laser Fusion

The United States chose a laser-based nuclear fusion (NIF) method and succeeded in the first net energy production by generating more output than input energy in 2022.
Laser technology is very precise and can create high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, which is an advantage, but the overall system efficiency is still low, limiting commercialization.
In addition, private companies invested in by Bill Gates and SoftBank are actively participating, making privatization a significant driving force for research.

3. Comparison with China

While South Korea and the United States prioritize research quality and stability, China focuses on rapid commercialization.
Although China is increasing system operation records in a short time, there is insufficient analysis of how efficiently they are using the internal energy of the plasma.

Prospects and Investment Strategies Related to Nuclear Fusion

1. Commercialization Timeline for Nuclear Fusion

Most experts believe that the initial stage of commercialization will be reached after 2035.
China aims for 2035 at the earliest, while the United States and South Korea are targeting the 2040s more conservatively.

2. Investment Perspectives

Nuclear fusion is mainly government-led research, and a private market may open up after commercialization.
Among the related companies, CommonFusion invested in by Bill Gates, TAE (Tri Alpha Energy) invested in by SoftBank, and AMSC, a superconducting magnet supplier, are being watched.
However, nuclear fusion commercialization is still far off, and related companies are subject to very high risks.

The Future Implied by the Success of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion energy is not just a simple energy alternative technology, but a technology that will reshape the global energy hegemony.
Providing unlimited energy resources can shake the economic structures of the Middle East and Russia, which are highly dependent on oil resources.
If South Korea succeeds in nuclear fusion commercialization, it will have the opportunity to lead the world in technology hegemony, as well as energy independence.

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China’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Sets New Record: What Does It Mean?

1. Key Concepts: What is an ‘Artificial Sun’?

An ‘artificial sun’ is a technology that mimics the energy generation method of the sun, based on nuclear fusion. It replicates the fusion of deuterium and tritium at ultra-high temperatures to produce environmentally friendly and efficient energy.

Plasma State: The fourth state of matter, essential for nuclear fusion, requiring temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius.
Tokamak Device: A donut-shaped device that uses magnetic fields to confine plasma, a crucial tool for achieving nuclear fusion.

2. Achievements of This Research: Maintaining 100 Million Degrees for 1,066 Seconds

The EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak), developed by the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, achieved:

Temperature: 100 million degrees Celsius
Duration: Sustained for 1,066 seconds (approximately 17 minutes and 46 seconds)
First successful attempt to stably maintain such ultra-high temperatures for over 1,000 seconds.

3. Why is This Important?

To realize commercial nuclear fusion energy, ultra-high temperatures must be sustained for long periods. This breakthrough indicates that we are moving closer to commercially viable nuclear fusion technology.

Long-term Potential: While commercialization is expected to take over 10 years, this research marks a major step in overcoming technological challenges.
Revolutionizing Green Energy: Enables efficient energy production without radioactive waste, overcoming the limitations of fossil fuels and traditional nuclear power.

4. Advantages and Challenges of Nuclear Fusion Energy

Advantages:

Abundant fuel supply from hydrogen.
High safety with minimal radioactive waste.
Zero carbon emissions, unlike fossil fuels.

Challenges:

Ultra-high Temperature Maintenance: Plasma confinement technology is still developing.
Efficiency Issues: Energy output must exceed input for commercial viability.
High Costs: Initial construction costs for nuclear fusion power plants are extremely high.

5. Future Steps: ITER and China’s Plans

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER): A multinational project involving South Korea, China, the U.S., and others, aiming to build the world’s largest nuclear fusion experimental reactor in France. China plays a key role in design and manufacturing.
China’s Independent Project CFETR: China plans to launch its own nuclear fusion power plant (CFETR) by 2035, independently from ITER. This recent milestone aligns with China’s engineering progress.

6. SEO Keywords

Nuclear fusion energy, Artificial sun, China nuclear fusion experiment, Green energy technology, 100 million degrees plasma sustained, EAST Tokamak, ITER project, Future energy development

7. Conclusion: The Pursuit of Humanity’s ‘Dream Energy’

China’s artificial sun project marks a major leap toward solving global energy challenges. If nuclear fusion technology reaches commercialization through international collaboration, it could be a game-changer, tackling both environmental issues and energy shortages.

Source: Yonhap News

China Artificial Sun EAST Tokamak