特稿｜多国数十年共建“人造太阳”达成重要里程碑

Core Points - The ITER project, involving over 30 countries, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of the world's largest and strongest pulsed superconducting magnet system, marking a crucial step towards controllable nuclear fusion energy [1][2] - ITER aims to simulate the nuclear fusion process of the sun, exploring the commercial viability of fusion technology, with a focus on using hydrogen isotopes to produce helium and release vast amounts of energy [1][2] Group 1: Technical Achievements - The newly completed pulsed magnet system is referred to as the "electromagnetic heart" of the tokamak device, essential for magnetic confinement fusion [2][3] - The central solenoid of the magnet system is 18 meters tall and 4.25 meters in diameter, with a magnetic field strength of 13 teslas, capable of lifting an aircraft carrier [2] - The entire pulsed magnet system will weigh nearly 3,000 tons, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project [2] Group 2: Global Collaboration - ITER is recognized as a model of international cooperation, having maintained its collaborative framework despite geopolitical changes, involving contributions from the EU, China, the US, Japan, South Korea, India, and Russia [3][4] - The project has seen thousands of scientists and engineers from hundreds of factories across three continents working together, with over 100,000 kilometers of superconducting wire produced by nine factories in six countries [3][4] Group 3: Commercial Prospects - The past five years have seen a surge in private investment in fusion energy research, with ITER encouraging collaboration between member states and the private sector to accelerate the realization of fusion energy [4][5] - Predictions for the commercialization of fusion energy vary widely among private sector representatives, ranging from 2028 to 2040 or even longer, due to differing technological pathways and foundational engineering challenges [4][5]