Core Insights - The 2026 Nuclear Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference was held in Hefei, Anhui Province, showcasing the progress of nuclear fusion from laboratory research to industrial application, emphasizing China's role in global energy transition [1] Technological Breakthroughs - The EAST superconducting tokamak achieved over 1 billion degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds in steady-state high-confinement plasma operation, marking a significant milestone in fusion technology [2] - The BEST project has made notable advancements, including the completion of the first PF magnet and the operation of a superconducting linear plasma device, indicating a rapid acceleration in fusion device manufacturing [2][3] - The future of the BEST project will see an increase in the self-sufficiency rate of core components, with 100% proprietary rights for the CRAFT ion cyclotron heating system and the development of high-strength low-temperature steel CHSN01 [3] Industry Development - The nuclear fusion industry has evolved from a conceptual stage to a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing basic research and result commercialization [4] - Significant contracts were signed at the conference, including major procurement agreements for the BEST device, with planned procurement projects exceeding 120 items and a total budget of nearly 10 billion yuan for 2026 [4] - The establishment of the Fusion Financial Institutions Alliance, comprising 130 Chinese financial and investment entities, aims to integrate finance with the nuclear fusion industry, facilitating the transition from research breakthroughs to industrial applications [5] Global Collaboration - China is enhancing international cooperation in fusion research through initiatives like the global release of the BEST project research plan and the signing of the Hefei Fusion Declaration [7] - Multiple countries have expressed interest in participating in the CFETR (China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor) construction, indicating the formation of a global fusion cooperation network [7] - The next five years are expected to see an expansion in global fusion financing, attracting more capital into the sector [7] Ecosystem Development - Hefei has attracted over 60 companies related to the nuclear fusion industry, creating a complete innovation ecosystem from basic research to engineering validation [6] - The conference highlighted the establishment of a new ecosystem for collaborative development among technology, industry, and capital [8]