- China has achieved a significant technical milestone in fusion energy research. The country has successfully tested and fully validated two state-of-the-art superconducting magnets developed for fusion reactors, in the presence of experts.
- This process was completed on June 27, 2026, at the Institute of Plasma Physics (Chinese Academy of Sciences) in Hefei, Anhui Province.
- The tested components include a toroidal field superconducting magnet and a high-temperature superconducting central solenoid coil; both are considered key technologies for future fusion reactors.
- The toroidal field superconducting magnet is particularly noteworthy. This D-shaped magnet measures approximately 21 meters in length and 12 meters in width, and weighs 582 tonnes. It is considered the largest superconducting magnet ever built for a fusion reactor.
- The primary function of this magnet within a fusion reactor is to control and stabilize the extremely hot plasma using a powerful magnetic field.
- During the fusion process, the plasma temperature reaches approximately 100 million degrees Celsius.
- Maintaining the plasma safely and under control amidst such extreme conditions is one of the greatest scientific and engineering challenges.
- This is why such advanced superconducting magnets are considered crucial for making fusion energy a practical reality.
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