核聚变能源开启“中国速度” “人造太阳”正从蓝图走向现实

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of the BEST research plan by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aimed at developing controlled nuclear fusion technology, often referred to as the "artificial sun," which promises to provide nearly limitless clean energy and could potentially enable interstellar travel in the future [4][12]. Group 1: Advantages of Controlled Nuclear Fusion - Abundant Fuel: The primary fuels for controlled nuclear fusion, deuterium and tritium, are plentiful on Earth. One liter of seawater can yield deuterium that releases energy equivalent to burning 300 liters of gasoline during complete fusion [4]. - Clean and Environmentally Friendly: The byproducts of controlled nuclear fusion are helium and neutrons, which do not emit harmful gases and have minimal radioactive pollution, making it an environmentally friendly energy source [4]. - High Safety: The plasma of deuterium and tritium is contained within a vacuum chamber by magnetic fields, significantly reducing the risk of explosions or leakage incidents due to low density and low fuel content [5]. Group 2: Development of Fusion Energy in China - China has designed and constructed several controlled nuclear fusion devices, including EAST, BEST, and CRAFT, which are considered key national assets in the field of nuclear fusion [9]. - The BEST project is set to be completed by the end of 2027 and aims to demonstrate fusion energy generation, potentially leading to the first operational nuclear fusion power source [12]. - The advancements in fusion technology reflect China's strong capabilities in independent innovation within high-tech fields, showcasing the progress from conceptualization to realization of the "artificial sun" [14].