走进中国“人造太阳”诞生地：2027年中国将建成聚变能实验装置，在全球率先演示聚变发电

Core Insights - China's "artificial sun," the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), achieved a significant breakthrough by maintaining a high-confinement mode plasma at 1 million degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds, setting a new world record for tokamak devices [1][2][5] Group 1: Technological Achievements - The EAST device is the world's first non-circular cross-section superconducting tokamak, focusing on long-pulse, high-confinement, and steady-state operation conditions for fusion reactor physics and engineering technology, incorporating over 200 core technologies [2] - The successful operation of EAST demonstrates the feasibility of controlled nuclear fusion, which is considered the "ultimate energy" source, with fuel derived from seawater being nearly limitless and producing only harmless helium as a byproduct [2][6] Group 2: Experimental Progress - The achievement of the "million-degree, thousand-second" record involved 15,000 experiments across 22 rounds, marking significant milestones from 60 seconds to 1066 seconds [3][5] - Maintaining plasma stability for extended periods requires overcoming numerous technical challenges, including precise control of plasma to prevent contact with the device's inner wall, which can melt at extreme temperatures [3] Group 3: Future Prospects - The success of EAST signifies a major leap from basic science to engineering practice in nuclear fusion research, enhancing global confidence in fusion energy and providing critical data for related studies [5] - The next steps in China's fusion energy roadmap include the construction of the Fusion Energy Experimental Device (BEST), expected to demonstrate energy generation by the end of 2027, and the design of the China Fusion Engineering Demonstration Reactor (CFEDR) [6][7] Group 4: Broader Impact - The development of fusion energy is not only aimed at providing clean energy but also drives advancements across various industries, including superconductors, power sources, materials, and cryogenics, benefiting sectors like transportation, healthcare, and aerospace [7]