China Creates World’s First Artificial Sun

EAST Sustains Plasma for 1,000 Seconds
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the “artificial sun,” has set a new record by sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds. This achievement surpasses its previous record of 403 seconds in 2023, marking a significant step toward practical nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.

Fusion Energy: A Game-Changer
Unlike nuclear fission, fusion involves merging atomic nuclei to release vast amounts of energy, similar to the process powering the sun.

Fusion holds great promise due to its potential for producing nearly limitless, clean energy without greenhouse gas emissions and with minimal safety risks. EAST’s ability to maintain plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius for extended periods is a critical step toward overcoming the challenges of stable fusion reactions.

Future Developments and Global Collaboration
Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics, emphasized the importance of this milestone for future fusion power plants.

Although EAST has not yet reached ignition—a self-sustaining fusion reaction—China’s advancements are paving the way. With plans to build next-generation fusion facilities in Anhui Province, China is focusing on accelerating fusion technology development. Song also expressed hopes for increased international collaboration to realize the global benefits of fusion energy.

jatin