Nuclear fusion reactors a step closer to being economically viable after scientific breakthrough

In experiments, Chinese and US researchers have overcome two of the main challenges with making fusion energy economically viable

Using a tokamak reactor, scientists created a density gradient which allowed plasma to reach a density high enough for commercial goals

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A scientific breakthrough in using tokamak reactors, like the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) in Hefei, China, pictured, has brought researchers a step closer to seeing nuclear fusion become commercially viable. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:00pm, 2 May 2024

An “economically attractive” way to produce nuclear fusion energy using tokamak reactors could be a step closer, with a new operating method developed by scientists from China and the United States.

The new system could help experimental fusion reactors around the world reach a plasma density high enough to meet commercial fusion goals.

“Fusion energy is the ultimate energy source for humanity,” the researchers wrote in a paper published in peer-reviewed journal Nature on April 24.

There are two types of nuclear power: fission and fusion. Nuclear fission splits atoms – such as uranium – apart to generate energy, and is the process currently used in nuclear power plants worldwide.

Nuclear fusion is known as the holy grail of clean, renewable energy. As the name suggests, it combines atoms to release large amounts of energy without creating long-lasting radioactive waste, and is the same process our sun uses to generate energy.

One way to achieve fusion is by heating the hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium to extremely high temperatures – hotter than the sun’s core – to create plasma.

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Nuclear fusion reactors a step closer to being economically viable after scientific breakthrough

In experiments, Chinese and US researchers have overcome two of the main challenges with making fusion energy economically viable Using a tokamak reactor, scientists created a density gradient which allowed plasma to reach a density high enough for commercial goals

In experiments, Chinese and US researchers have overcome two of the main challenges with making fusion energy economically viable

Using a tokamak reactor, scientists created a density gradient which allowed plasma to reach a density high enough for commercial goals