Core Viewpoint - The recent exchange between the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Nuclear Power Department of the National Energy Administration focused on the development of fusion energy and established a consensus for further collaboration in this field [1] Group 1 - The discussion covered the current status of fusion energy development, the challenges faced, and the construction of a radiation safety regulatory system [1] - Both parties engaged in extensive discussions on core issues related to fusion energy [1] - A solid foundation for broader cooperation in fusion research was laid through this exchange [1]

Core Insights - Nuclear fusion energy is considered the ultimate solution for human energy needs, with significant advancements being made in China towards its development [1][2] - China is constructing the compact fusion energy experimental device (BEST) in Hefei, expected to be completed by 2027, with the potential to demonstrate fusion power generation within five years [1] - The country aims to achieve a nuclear power installed capacity of 65 million kilowatts by the end of 2025, contributing to global nuclear energy growth projected to exceed 1.1 billion kilowatts by 2050 [1] Group 1: Nuclear Fusion Development - The "three-step" strategy for fusion energy application in China includes the recent achievement of the "billion-degree second" world record by the EAST device, marking a significant transition from basic science to engineering practice [1] - The BEST project will be the first to generate real energy and demonstrate fusion power generation on a global scale [1] - The Chinese Fusion Engineering Demonstration Reactor (CFEDR) has initiated engineering design, aiming to build the world's first fusion demonstration power plant [1] Group 2: Small Modular Reactors - The next decade is identified as a critical period for the development and promotion of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer advantages such as shorter construction periods, lower investment costs, and greater site adaptability compared to large reactors [2] - SMRs are gaining global attention due to their inherent safety, smaller size, high power density, lower nuclear waste generation, and reduced decommissioning costs [2] - China has completed the world's first fourth-generation pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor and is expected to lead in constructing the first land-based small pressurized water reactor, "Linglong One," with commercial demonstration of small reactor power plants anticipated by around 2030 [2]

Core Insights - China's "artificial sun," the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), achieved a significant breakthrough by maintaining a high-confinement mode plasma at 1 million degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds, setting a new world record for tokamak devices [1][2][5] Group 1: Technological Achievements - The EAST device is the world's first non-circular cross-section superconducting tokamak, focusing on long-pulse, high-confinement, and steady-state operation conditions for fusion reactor physics and engineering technology, incorporating over 200 core technologies [2] - The successful operation of EAST demonstrates the feasibility of controlled nuclear fusion, which is considered the "ultimate energy" source, with fuel derived from seawater being nearly limitless and producing only harmless helium as a byproduct [2][6] Group 2: Experimental Progress - The achievement of the "million-degree, thousand-second" record involved 15,000 experiments across 22 rounds, marking significant milestones from 60 seconds to 1066 seconds [3][5] - Maintaining plasma stability for extended periods requires overcoming numerous technical challenges, including precise control of plasma to prevent contact with the device's inner wall, which can melt at extreme temperatures [3] Group 3: Future Prospects - The success of EAST signifies a major leap from basic science to engineering practice in nuclear fusion research, enhancing global confidence in fusion energy and providing critical data for related studies [5] - The next steps in China's fusion energy roadmap include the construction of the Fusion Energy Experimental Device (BEST), expected to demonstrate energy generation by the end of 2027, and the design of the China Fusion Engineering Demonstration Reactor (CFEDR) [6][7] Group 4: Broader Impact - The development of fusion energy is not only aimed at providing clean energy but also drives advancements across various industries, including superconductors, power sources, materials, and cryogenics, benefiting sectors like transportation, healthcare, and aerospace [7]