China has initiated an international scientific program in fusion energy, marking a significant step toward harnessing the power of "artificial sun." On the morning of November 24, at the main hall of the compact fusion energy experimental device (BEST) in Hefei Future Science City, Anhui Province, the Chinese Academy of Sciences officially launched the "Burning Plasma" International Science Program and unveiled the BEST research plan to the global fusion community.
Nuclear fusion energy, which mimics the sun's fusion reactions to release energy, is hailed as the "ultimate energy source" for humanity. For decades, scientists have explored high-parameter, long-pulse conditions required for fusion reactions through technologies like magnetic confinement. "We are entering a new phase of burning plasma," said Song Yuntao, deputy director of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and head of the Institute of Plasma Physics. This stage is critical for fusion engineering, as it means the reaction can sustain itself like a "flame," generating heat to maintain the process—a foundation for future continuous power generation.
In recent years, China's fusion research has accelerated, breaking multiple world records. The BEST device, as China's next-generation "artificial sun," is tasked with achieving "burning" plasma. According to the research plan, by the end of 2027, the device will conduct deuterium-tritium burning plasma experiments, aiming for fusion power output between 20 and 200 megawatts—exceeding energy input—and demonstrating fusion power generation.
"This is an exploration into uncharted territory, facing numerous engineering and physical challenges," Song noted. For instance, alpha particles are crucial for maintaining ultra-high-temperature conditions, but their transport mechanisms require deeper study. "Leading this international initiative leverages China's institutional strengths in superconducting tokamak research while uniting global scientists to tackle frontier fusion challenges."
Under the program, the Institute of Plasma Physics will open multiple large-scale fusion facilities, including BEST, to global researchers. It will also establish an open research fund and support frequent expert exchanges. Scientists from over a dozen countries, including France, the UK, and Germany, signed the "Hefei Fusion Declaration," advocating open collaboration and encouraging international researchers to engage in fusion studies in China.
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