World’s Largest Nuclear Fusion Reactor Inaugurated in Japan

Prepare to witness a groundbreaking achievement in the world of nuclear fusion! This incredible reactor aims to prove that it can generate more energy than it consumes. Imagine, harnessing the same power that fuels the stars to create a clean, carbon-free energy source. But, of course, there’s a catch. To recreate the intense conditions found at the heart of stars, a significant investment of energy is required. And that’s where the real challenge lies.

While a different fusion method called inertial confinement fusion has shown some progress, it still falls short of being commercially viable. In contrast, this tokamak design heats plasma to a mind-boggling 200 million degrees Celsius (360 million degrees Fahrenheit), all within a powerful magnetic field. The currents flowing through it reach a staggering 1 million amps, far surpassing the mere 15 to 20 amps found in a typical household circuit.

However, researchers are optimistic that scaling up the reactor will lead to even greater energy extraction. That’s why ITER, the larger version of this tokamak, aims to achieve burning plasma and full fusion by 2035. But before we get there, the JT-60SA reactor is paving the way for future advancements. In fact, it has already shown promising results, with the first plasma circulating at lower currents in October.

“What unfolds here today will shape the future of fusion energy in our quest for a carbon-free world. JT-60SA plays a vital role in the international fusion roadmap, offering a unique opportunity to learn, operate, and share invaluable knowledge with ITER,” declared Marc Lachaise, director of Fusion for Energy, during the inauguration ceremony.

Fusion for Energy is responsible for the European Union’s contribution to ITER, a collaborative effort involving 35 countries including the EU, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Russia, China, and the United States. The construction of ITER, located in the south of France, is well underway, with the first fusion plasma expected to be achieved by 2025.