活力中国调研行走进安徽 | 安徽合肥核聚变能加速冲刺：用一杯海水点亮万家灯火

Core Insights - The article discusses the advancements in controlled nuclear fusion technology, highlighting its potential as a clean and virtually limitless energy source for humanity [3][5][6]. Group 1: Nuclear Fusion Technology - Controlled nuclear fusion mimics the sun's energy production by fusing hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium, which can be extracted from seawater [5][6]. - One liter of seawater can produce fusion fuel deuterium, releasing energy equivalent to 300 liters of gasoline during nuclear fusion [5]. - Nuclear fusion is considered safer than nuclear fission, as the reaction stops immediately if conditions fail, eliminating risks of nuclear leakage or radiation [6]. Group 2: Recent Achievements - The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has achieved significant milestones, including a world record of 1 billion degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds in January [6][11]. - The new compact fusion energy experimental device (BEST) focuses on energy output, aiming to exceed input energy, which is crucial for commercialization [8][9]. Group 3: Industry Development - Over 30 small to medium-sized tech companies related to nuclear fusion have been established in Hefei, with some already listed [9]. - Hefei has nearly 60 companies covering the entire nuclear fusion energy industry chain, from superconducting materials to operational design [9][11]. - The establishment of the Fusion Industry Alliance in Hefei in 2023 has gathered over 200 member companies, enhancing collaboration across the industry [9]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The BEST device is expected to be completed by 2027, with the first demonstration of fusion energy generation planned for 2030, and a demonstration fusion engineering pile by 2035 [11]. - The industry anticipates a transition to a clean energy era, where fossil fuels will primarily serve as chemical raw materials, and fusion energy will play a central role [11].