The quest for fusion energy has taken a historic turn as scientists push the boundaries of what’s possible with sustained plasma. A team at France’s CEA announced they had kept a plasma reaction alive for an astonishing 1,337 seconds, surpassing China’s previous record. This milestone demonstrates that precise magnetic coils and cutting-edge cooling systems can tame the star-like inferno within.
The achievement marks a significant step towards commercially viable reactors, with lessons feeding directly into ITER, the massive international collaboration building the world’s largest tokamak in southern France. ITER aims to produce ten times more energy than it consumes by the mid-2030s.
While challenges remain, including materials endurance and economic feasibility, the promise of fusion-generated electricity is irresistible. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that fusion could contribute up to 4% of global electricity by 2040. For a world grappling with climate change, fusion offers a beacon of hope.
As scientists continue to refine engineering tolerances and develop new technologies, the dream of clean, abundant power inches closer to reality. With each sustained plasma pulse, we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in energy production.
Source: https://glassalmanac.com/french-fusion-reactor-stuns-world-by-sustaining-nuclear-reaction-for-22-minutes-in-breakthrough-energy-milestone