China’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Breakthrough Brings Humanity Closer to Limitless Clean Energy

[Social Media]

 

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists in China have taken a significant step toward harnessing nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, as a potential infinite source of clean energy. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as China’s “artificial sun,” achieved a sustained operation for an extraordinary 1,066 seconds, marking a major milestone in fusion power research.  

 

 

The project, led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), aims to replicate the nuclear fusion processes occurring in the sun, offering the potential to resolve global energy crises and enable deep-space exploration. Song Yuntao, vice president of CAS’s Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and director of Hefei’s Institute of Plasma Physics, highlighted the importance of the breakthrough, stating, “A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is essential for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants.”  

 

Nuclear fusion generates energy by colliding light atoms to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process results in a mass loss that is converted into an immense burst of energy, similar to the reactions that fuel stars. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion is a cleaner and safer alternative with the potential to revolutionize global energy systems.  

 

EAST’s recent accomplishment is particularly impressive. It operated at a staggering temperature of 108 million degrees Celsius for 17 minutes and 46 seconds, coming tantalizingly close to the conditions required for sustained nuclear fusion. This marks a step forward in the decades-long quest to develop a reactor capable of maintaining the extreme temperatures and pressures necessary for practical fusion energy production.  

 

For over 70 years, scientists worldwide have pursued the dream of a functioning nuclear fusion reactor, but achieving the stable, long-term operation needed for continuous energy production has proven elusive. The challenge lies in maintaining the circulation of plasma — the hot, charged gas where fusion reactions occur — at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius, without disruptions or energy losses.  

 

EAST’s success not only pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible but also fosters collaboration in the international scientific community. “We hope to expand international collaboration via EAST and bring fusion energy into practical use for humanity,” Song said, expressing optimism about the global impact of this achievement.  

 

This milestone is a testament to the progress being made in fusion research and represents a beacon of hope in the quest for a sustainable energy future. With further advancements and cooperation, the dream of limitless clean energy may soon become a reality.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2025-01-24

 

 

[nauseus]

Extremely impressive, if true. It would be great if China could share something for the benefit of all.

[oustaristocrats]

3 hours ago, nauseus said:

Extremely impressive, if true. It would be great if China could share something for the benefit of all.

 

That latter will not happen for sure 🤣

[newbee2022]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists in China have taken a significant step toward harnessing nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, as a potential infinite source of clean energy. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as China’s “artificial sun,” achieved a sustained operation for an extraordinary 1,066 seconds, marking a major milestone in fusion power research.  

 

https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/experimental-advanced-superconducting-tokamak-97135525.jpg?w=1024

 

The project, led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), aims to replicate the nuclear fusion processes occurring in the sun, offering the potential to resolve global energy crises and enable deep-space exploration. Song Yuntao, vice president of CAS’s Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and director of Hefei’s Institute of Plasma Physics, highlighted the importance of the breakthrough, stating, “A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is essential for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants.”  

 

 

Nuclear fusion generates energy by colliding light atoms to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process results in a mass loss that is converted into an immense burst of energy, similar to the reactions that fuel stars. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion is a cleaner and safer alternative with the potential to revolutionize global energy systems.  

 

EAST’s recent accomplishment is particularly impressive. It operated at a staggering temperature of 108 million degrees Celsius for 17 minutes and 46 seconds, coming tantalizingly close to the conditions required for sustained nuclear fusion. This marks a step forward in the decades-long quest to develop a reactor capable of maintaining the extreme temperatures and pressures necessary for practical fusion energy production.  

 

For over 70 years, scientists worldwide have pursued the dream of a functioning nuclear fusion reactor, but achieving the stable, long-term operation needed for continuous energy production has proven elusive. The challenge lies in maintaining the circulation of plasma — the hot, charged gas where fusion reactions occur — at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius, without disruptions or energy losses.  

 

EAST’s success not only pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible but also fosters collaboration in the international scientific community. “We hope to expand international collaboration via EAST and bring fusion energy into practical use for humanity,” Song said, expressing optimism about the global impact of this achievement.  

 

This milestone is a testament to the progress being made in fusion research and represents a beacon of hope in the quest for a sustainable energy future. With further advancements and cooperation, the dream of limitless clean energy may soon become a reality.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2025-01-24

 

 

Was shown last year in Germany already. Could be solve our energy problems in the future.

Latest research found huge amounts of free hydrogen under US soil to be last for 109 years and more. 

[bradiston]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Was shown last year in Germany already. Could be solve our energy problems in the future.

Latest research found huge amounts of free hydrogen under US soil to be last for 109 years and more. 

Is there a link to Germany's effort?

[newbee2022]

38 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Is there a link to Germany's effort?

Google it. I'm sorry. No time to do your job🤗

[newbee2022]

53 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Is there a link to Germany's effort?

For the lazy one:

Also Google W7-X by yourself

 

[nauseus]

3 hours ago, oustaristocrats said:

 

That latter will not happen for sure 🤣

 

So -ve.

[Jaggg88]

A British company did it last year but for only a few seconds so I doubt it will become secret technology 

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-68233330

[WDSmart]

There is no such thing as "clean energy." All technology used to harvest energy (not "create") and then transform it into a form usable by humans results in pollution (materials and energy that are discarded or unusable). 

[pacovl46]

7 hours ago, nauseus said:

Extremely impressive, if true. It would be great if China could share something for the benefit of all.

 

Yeah well, since their God is money I doubt it will be free. Also, why would they share that with the rest of the world when it gives them an advantage over the west? 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Have they got enough coal on hand to produce the electricity to run this experiment?

[Lacessit]

14 minutes ago, pacovl46 said:

 

Yeah well, since their God is money I doubt it will be free. Also, why would they share that with the rest of the world when it gives them an advantage over the west? 

In terms of climate change, it is in everyone's interest - including China - to share the technology.

The infrastructure needed to bring nuclear fusion to the same supplier status as conventional power stations is far more complex and expensive than simply burning coal, oil or gas.

To me, it's the same as sharing vaccine technology. Disease has no boundaries, neither does climate change.

[bradiston]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

For the lazy one:

Also Google W7-X by yourself

 

Done. But how is this an advance on China's achievement? Even the UK has achieved short lived success. It's like quantum computing. Every nudge forward is hailed as an earth shattering breakthrough.

[bradiston]

1 hour ago, pacovl46 said:

 

Yeah well, since their God is money I doubt it will be free. Also, why would they share that with the rest of the world when it gives them an advantage over the west? 

Oh, their God is money, but nobody else's, right?

[The Old Bull]

The US oil lobby is not going to like this.

[newbee2022]

59 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Done. But how is this an advance on China's achievement? Even the UK has achieved short lived success. It's like quantum computing. Every nudge forward is hailed as an earth shattering breakthrough.

You didn't google W7-X. 

A bit work you can do for yourself. I am not your nanny🤣

[Caldera]

It always seems to be 50 years away from now. Since 70 years.

[Will B Good]

3 hours ago, WDSmart said:

There is no such thing as "clean energy." All technology used to harvest energy (not "create") and then transform it into a form usable by humans results in pollution (materials and energy that are discarded or unusable). 

 

 

Other than 'green' energy sources wind, wave, etc..... fusion will give rise to very little in the way of pollution compared to fission, coal, oil and gas.

 

If it works it will be a deal breaker for mankind.

[Cryingdick]

4 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Have they got enough coal on hand to produce the electricity to run this experiment?

Why It’s Still a Challenge

1. Energy Input vs. Output: Right now, reactors like EAST consume more energy to maintain the fusion process than they generate, which makes it inefficient for large-scale energy production.

2. Plasma Containment: Holding plasma at extreme temperatures without losing control is a massive engineering challenge. Any instability could damage the reactor or lead to shutdowns.

3. Cost: Fusion research and development require billions of dollars in funding. Building commercial reactors with sustainable costs for energy production is still decades away.

4. Material Limitations: The intense conditions inside a fusion reactor degrade materials rapidly. Developing materials that can withstand these extremes is ongoing but not yet solved.

5. Scalability: Even if EAST or another reactor achieves a net-positive energy output, scaling it to provide power on a global level will take significant time, investment, and infrastructure development.

---

 

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Why It’s Still a Challenge

1. Energy Input vs. Output: Right now, reactors like EAST consume more energy to maintain the fusion process than they generate, which makes it inefficient for large-scale energy production.

2. Plasma Containment: Holding plasma at extreme temperatures without losing control is a massive engineering challenge. Any instability could damage the reactor or lead to shutdowns.

3. Cost: Fusion research and development require billions of dollars in funding. Building commercial reactors with sustainable costs for energy production is still decades away.

4. Material Limitations: The intense conditions inside a fusion reactor degrade materials rapidly. Developing materials that can withstand these extremes is ongoing but not yet solved.

5. Scalability: Even if EAST or another reactor achieves a net-positive energy output, scaling it to provide power on a global level will take significant time, investment, and infrastructure development.

---

 

 

Wow you really know your stuff.......that is impressive.....oh wait on......is that copy and paste? Uncredited?

[Cryingdick]

21 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Wow you really know your stuff.......that is impressive.....oh wait on......is that copy and paste? Uncredited?

 

Chat GPT. I was just asking it what the deal is. So I used a research tool to do some research and posted what i found. I thought it would be obvious it is pasted from an AI source. 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Chat GPT. I was just asking it what the deal is. So I used a research tool to do some research and posted what i found. I thought it would be obvious it is pasted from an AI source. 

 

Forum rule from last week.....all AI sources used to be credited in a post or reply.

 

All hell is going to break loose now if people start posting factual information.....555

[connda]

We'll be there by mid-century and then they can stop this nonsensical "renewables" which are anything but.
I expect commercial fusion to be online by 2050.

[Cryingdick]

9 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Forum rule from last week.....all AI sources used to be credited in a post or reply.

 

All hell is going to break loose now if people start posting factual information.....555

 

I guess i missed that rule change. Anyway what I learned there was interesting. Tell me which isn't factual? I will always say it is chat gpt in the future. I guess the different texts, bullet points, underscores etc. aren't enough for some people. It is painfully obvious that it is AI.

 

It seems this is 30 years off. So it isn't big news. Anyway I will make square to make a note of that in the future should some of our slower members won't get caught off guard. 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I guess i missed that rule change. Anyway what I learned there was interesting. Tell me which isn't factual? I will always say it is chat gpt in the future. I guess the different texts, bullet points, underscores etc. aren't enough for some people. It is painfully obvious that it is AI.

 

It seems this is 30 years off. So it isn't big news. Anyway I will make square to make a note of that in the future should some of our slower members won't get caught off guard. 

 

If there is going to be a breakthrough it will be on the back of  something like the Willow chip or a radical new approach that doesn't depend on a torus .....the US idea of hydrogen pellets for instance.

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

If there is going to be a breakthrough it will be on the back of  something like the Willow chip or a radical new approach that doesn't depend on a torus .....the US idea of hydrogen pellets for instance.

 

Which is also decades away.

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Which is also decades away.

 

 

Fusion has been decades away .......since decades ago and remains so.......it is, without doubt, the holy grail that could 'save' mankind.

 

Every penny spent on other Climate Change 'preventions' should be redirected into fusion....it is fast becoming our only hope.

 

 

[Cryingdick]

7 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Fusion has been decades away .......since decades ago and remains so.......it is, without doubt, the holy grail that could 'save' mankind.

 

Every penny spent on other Climate Change 'preventions' should be redirected into fusion....it is fast becoming our only hope.

 

 

 

Willow is cutting edge for sure. The problem is that it can consume every data humans have ever made in a few seconds maybe less. After that it has nothing to go on. It should help speed up the evolution of things when we get a break through here and there and it can accelerate those with new data available. But yeah the wind machines that are idle from lack of wind aren't exactly going to power the data centers.

 

 

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Willow is cutting edge for sure. The problem is that it can consume every data humans have ever made in a few seconds maybe less. After that it has nothing to go on. It should help speed up the evolution of things when we get a break through here and there and it can accelerate those with new data available. But yeah the wind machines that are idle from lack of wind aren't exactly going to power the data centers.

 

 

 

The critical aspect of a torus is the control of fluctuating magnet fields, which are required to "hold" the plasma, but also interact with the plasma. It might be the case that the computations required to managed this volatility can be handled by Willow.....we shall see!!!