实现“终极能源”自由？聚变能正加速商业化

Core Insights - The commercialization of fusion energy is a hot topic at the recent ministerial meeting and the 30th International Conference on Fusion Energy held in Chengdu, China, highlighting the acceleration of fusion technology from research to engineering and commercial applications [1] Group 1: Technological Advancements - China's fusion research facilities are rapidly transitioning from experimental tools to industrial hubs, providing a solid hardware foundation for engineering and commercialization breakthroughs [1] - The "Chinese Circulation No. 3" (HL-3) has achieved significant milestones, including reaching atomic temperatures of 117 million degrees Celsius and electron temperatures of 160 million degrees Celsius, laying the groundwork for future fusion reactor applications [4] - The "East" (EAST) facility has set a world record by maintaining a plasma temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds, showcasing over 200 core technologies developed independently [7] - The "Kua Fu" (CRAFT) facility has successfully developed the largest and highest thermal load prototype component for fusion reactors, addressing critical engineering challenges [9][11] Group 2: Global Trends and Investments - Globally, nearly 40 countries are advancing fusion plans, with over 160 fusion devices either operational, under construction, or planned, and private investments exceeding $10 billion [13] - Italy and the U.S. are making significant investments in fusion energy, with Italy aiming for its first plasma by 2030 and the U.S. Department of Energy funding new fusion innovation projects [13] Group 3: Challenges and Future Outlook - The commercialization of fusion energy faces multiple challenges, including technical hurdles related to plasma stability, high-temperature materials, and the economic viability of supply chains [14] - China aims to initiate fusion energy burning experiments by 2027 and develop its first engineering experimental reactor by around 2035 [14] - A comprehensive ecosystem supporting the engineering and industrialization of fusion energy is being established through policy guidance, international cooperation, and innovative mechanisms [15][16] Group 4: International Collaboration - China is a key partner in the ITER project, successfully completing the design and manufacturing of 18 critical components, contributing to global fusion engineering efforts [16] - The establishment of the China Fusion Energy Company aims to enhance collaboration between state-owned enterprises, private companies, and research institutions, fostering a synergistic approach to fusion technology development [16]