Last Updated:
France’s WEST tokamak set a record by sustaining plasma for 1,337 seconds, surpassing China’s EAST. This milestone marks progress towards stable nuclear fusion for energy
Scientists believe that harnessing stable nuclear fusion on Earth could provide a potent and sustainable energy source. (AI Generated)
France achieved a significant milestone in nuclear fusion by creating a sustained plasma for an extended period. This breakthrough has surpassed the previous world record held by China.
The machines, often referred to as ‘artificial suns’, replicate the processes occurring within stars. Scientists believe that harnessing stable nuclear fusion on Earth could provide a potent and sustainable energy source. This accomplishment represents a substantial advancement towards realising fusion energy.
France’s ‘Tokamak’ Device
The record-breaking fusion reactor is operated by France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Known as WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak), this machine employs a tokamak design, characterised by a doughnut-like structure. Within this structure, plasma is confined by powerful magnetic fields, facilitating the fusion process. However, developing the infrastructure necessary for large-scale energy production is expected to take several decades.
The challenge lies in replicating the extreme temperatures and pressures found at the core of stars. Nuclear fusion necessitates the prolonged stability of plasma.
Recent Record
Last month, China’s EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) machine achieved a stable plasma state for 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023.
On February 12, WEST established a new world record by maintaining plasma for 1,337 seconds. Both EAST and WEST are experimental fusion machines developed through international scientific collaboration. These scientists are also involved in the ITER fusion reactor project in France.
