瞭望 | 可控核聚变民营力量潜能渐放

Core Viewpoint - China's private enterprises in controllable nuclear fusion are leveraging diverse technological routes, rapid development, and relatively low costs to complement state-led efforts in scientific innovation, aiming to ignite their own "small sun" [2][3] Group 1: Technological Development - The controllable nuclear fusion technology aims to replicate the energy reactions occurring in the sun under extreme conditions, providing a clean and sustainable energy source [2][3] - Various private companies have emerged in the past three to four years, exploring multiple technological routes, with some achieving significant breakthroughs [6][7] - The main technological routes for controllable nuclear fusion include inertial confinement fusion and magnetic confinement fusion, with the latter being the global mainstream approach [4][5] Group 2: Advantages of Private Enterprises - Private enterprises in China are characterized by their diverse technological routes, speed, and flexibility, allowing them to complement the efforts of state institutions [7][8] - Companies like Energy Singularity have achieved rapid development, completing the construction of their "Honghuang 70" device in just two years, setting a record for superconducting tokamak development [8] - The use of new materials, such as rare earth barium copper oxide (REBCO), has made it feasible for commercial companies to enter the field, reducing construction costs significantly [5][8] Group 3: Current Challenges and Future Potential - Despite the rapid advancements, the industry is still in the early stages of development, with significant technical challenges remaining before commercial viability can be achieved [9][10] - Key challenges include achieving long-duration stable operation, enhancing energy gain and system efficiency, and improving the reliability of materials and components [10][11] - Increased funding and public awareness are essential for overcoming these challenges and fostering collaboration between state and private sectors in nuclear fusion research [11]