Scientists in South Korea have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of nuclear fusion by sustaining temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for a record-breaking 48 seconds. This achievement, seven times hotter than the sun's core, marks a significant step forward in the development of fusion energy technology.
Nuclear fusion aims to replicate the process that powers the sun and stars, generating vast amounts of energy by fusing two atoms together. This clean energy source has the potential to provide limitless energy without contributing to carbon emissions, making it a promising solution to combat climate change.
The key to achieving fusion energy lies in creating high-temperature and high-density plasmas, where reactions can occur for extended periods. The Korean Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) successfully sustained these extreme temperatures using their KSTAR research device, often referred to as an 'artificial sun.'
By utilizing innovative techniques such as replacing carbon with tungsten in the diverters, which extract heat and impurities from the fusion reaction, the scientists were able to extend the duration of the high-temperature plasma. Their ultimate goal is to sustain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees for 300 seconds by 2026, a crucial milestone for scaling up fusion operations.
The advancements made by the KFE scientists will contribute to the development of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, the world's largest tokamak designed to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy.
While significant progress has been made in nuclear fusion research, commercializing this technology remains a complex challenge. Scientists worldwide continue to work on overcoming engineering and scientific obstacles to make fusion energy a viable part of the global energy mix.
Although nuclear fusion is not yet ready to address the current climate crisis, experts believe that with continued progress, fusion energy could play a crucial role in a sustainable, green energy future in the latter half of the century.
