Home China runs record nuclear fusion experiment for nearly 18 minutes

China runs record nuclear fusion experiment for nearly 18 minutes

A Chinese research center has managed to beat its previous record in running a nuclear fusion experiment. The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science is currently researching and trying to create a fusion reactor to create massive amounts of energy cheaply.

Hefei’s scientists managed to run the experiment for nearly 18 minutes (1,066 seconds), which is an enormous jump from the previous record of 403 seconds (nearly 7 minutes).

Nuclear fusion is the next leap in energy production, utilizing a machine currently named the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Featuring a chamber that has gas pumped into it, it creates massive amounts of pressure that eventually turns into plasma.

Tokamak

This super hot plasma is then contained by magnets and then used to induce nuclear fusion. It happens all the time at the center of our solar system with the sun.

The institute claims its “ultimate goal” is to create “an artificial sun” to offer humanity “an endless, clean energy source, and enabling space exploration beyond the solar system.”

However, the press release fails to mention what kind of fuel it used to power the experiment. If the energy being used isn’t clean, the clean energy source it produces would be null and void.

China sets new record in nuclear fusion – again

Inside a Tokamak

EAST has been around since 2006 and has worked with both Chinese and international scientists on this project. The entire project is part of an international collaboration, under the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) group.

China did demonstrate a “1000-second” ready plasma in 2021. What appears to have changed since then is the machine itself, which is now able to hold “high-confinement plasma”.

Companies like OpenAI have already begun to invest in nuclear fusion energy. The AI industry is currently struggling with massive energy requirements, with Microsoft even re-opening a nuclear plant on Three Mile Island.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Joel Loynds
Tech Journalist

Joel Loynd’s obsession with uncovering bad games and even worse hardware so you don’t have to has led him on this path. Since the age of six, he’s been poking at awful games and oddities from his ever-expanding Steam library. He’s been writing about video games since 2008, writing for sites such as WePC and PC Guide, as well as covering gaming for Scan Computers, More recently Joel was Dexerto’s E-Commerce and Deputy Tech Editor, delving deep into the exploding handheld market and covering the weird and wonderful world of the latest tech.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.