Core Insights - The "artificial sun" project, known as the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), aims to achieve nuclear fusion, providing nearly limitless clean energy, similar to the sun's energy production [1][3] - The project utilizes isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium as fuel, with deuterium being abundantly available in seawater, estimated at 450 trillion tons [1] - Successful commercialization of this technology could revolutionize global energy supply by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and long-term radioactive waste associated with traditional fossil fuels [3][5] Energy Transition - The "artificial sun" project addresses the urgent need for energy transition away from fossil fuels, which have led to resource depletion and severe environmental issues [3][5] - It holds significant strategic importance for national energy security and climate change mitigation, promoting a shift towards clean and low-carbon energy sources [5][8] Technological Advancement - The project involves a multidisciplinary approach, integrating plasma physics, materials science, superconducting technology, and precision manufacturing, leading to key technological breakthroughs [5][7] - Innovations from the project can benefit other industries, such as superconducting technology in maglev trains and medical devices, enhancing overall technological capabilities [5][7] International Influence - China's achievements in the "artificial sun" project enhance its international standing in energy technology and innovation, contributing significantly to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) initiative [7][8] - The success of this project not only elevates China's position in global energy technology but also offers a Chinese solution and wisdom for global energy cooperation and development [7][8]

Core Concept - The "artificial sun" is a nuclear fusion reactor under construction in Hefei, aiming to replicate the fusion process of the real sun to provide clean energy [1][4]. Group 1: Construction and Design - The "artificial sun" is officially named the "Key System Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Reactor" and is not a simple replica of the sun [1][4]. - The core component, the "1/8 vacuum chamber," weighs 295 tons and stands 19.5 meters tall, resembling a large "orange segment" [2][6]. - The facility will contain eight "orange segments" that will form a circular vacuum chamber, functioning as the "boiler" for fusion reactions [6]. Group 2: Energy Production Potential - Fusion reactions using deuterium extracted from seawater can release energy equivalent to 300 liters of gasoline, making it a promising future energy source without pollution [4][6]. - The ongoing research aims to commercialize fusion energy generation, with significant technological advancements being made [13]. Group 3: Current Status and Future Plans - The next-generation "artificial sun" is currently in the critical component development and integration testing phase, with full completion expected by the end of this year [8]. - A compact fusion energy experimental device is in the assembly stage, weighing 6,000 tons, and is set to be completed by the end of 2027, which will demonstrate fusion energy generation for the first time [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the critical role of nuclear fusion power systems in achieving stable and controlled nuclear fusion, likening it to a "heart" and "brain" of a fusion reactor, essential for maintaining the high-temperature plasma necessary for fusion reactions [4][5][6]. Summary by Sections Nuclear Fusion Power System - The nuclear fusion power system is a specialized high-performance power source that precisely controls the plasma in fusion reactions, which can reach temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius [5][6]. - Successful ignition of nuclear fusion requires three key conditions: high temperature, high density, and long energy confinement time, collectively referred to as the "fusion triple product" [6]. Types of Power Sources - There are two main types of nuclear fusion power sources: magnetic power sources and heating power sources [7]. - Magnetic power sources generate strong magnetic fields to suspend the high-temperature plasma, while heating power sources raise the plasma temperature to the required levels [7][10]. Performance Requirements - The power systems must meet stringent performance criteria, including voltage fluctuation control within 3%, response times under 0.3 milliseconds, and strong interference resistance [8]. Market Potential - The market for nuclear fusion power systems is projected to exceed 5 billion, based on current investment in fusion projects, with costs for fusion reactors ranging from 3 to 10 billion for a 1000MW scale [12][16]. - The domestic market is expected to grow further with the development of various fusion projects, including BEST, STAR, and others, with significant investments planned [13][14]. Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The nuclear fusion power sector faces challenges such as high operational demands on heating power sources and the need for advanced electronic components [16]. - The industry is still in its early stages, with a focus on technological advancements and the establishment of supply chains for specialized power systems [17]. Key Companies - The article identifies several key companies involved in the nuclear fusion power sector, highlighting their roles in the development and supply of necessary technologies and components [18].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of major scientific infrastructure in China is highlighted, particularly in the field of fusion energy, with significant projects like "Kua Fu" and "EAST" aiming to advance clean energy solutions for the future [1][14][19]. Group 1: Major Scientific Facilities - The "LHAASO" facility, located at an altitude of 4,410 meters, is the world's highest and largest ultra-high-energy gamma-ray observatory, searching for elusive cosmic rays [3]. - The "FAST" telescope, with a diameter of 500 meters, extends humanity's view into the universe, reaching distances of up to 10 billion light-years [5]. - The Jiangmen Neutrino Experiment, situated 700 meters underground, utilizes a liquid scintillator detector to amplify weak signals by 10 million times to capture neutrinos, known as "ghost particles" [7]. Group 2: Fusion Energy Development - The "Kua Fu" project is designed to simulate the nuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sun, aiming to develop fusion energy as a clean and virtually limitless power source [8][11]. - Fusion energy is characterized by its abundant raw materials, safety, efficiency, and low carbon emissions, presenting a potential solution to humanity's energy challenges [9]. - The "Kua Fu" facility in Hefei is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, providing a comprehensive research and testing platform for future fusion reactors [13][14]. Group 3: Research Progress and Achievements - The "Kua Fu" project has reached a critical phase, with various subsystems undergoing integration and testing, including the development of a toroidal field coil to generate strong magnetic fields for plasma confinement [24]. - The "EAST" facility has achieved a world record by maintaining a high-confinement plasma state at 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds, marking a significant breakthrough in fusion research [21]. - The BEST project, a compact fusion energy experimental device, has commenced construction, aiming to simulate the operational conditions of future commercial fusion reactors [22]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The current research focuses on foundational experiments and engineering technology validation, with expectations for demonstration of fusion power generation within the next decade and commercial viability in 20 to 30 years [25].