中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院副院长、等离子体物理研究所所长宋云涛介绍，随着ITER及BEST 项目的快速推进，聚变装置实验研究将要进入燃烧等离子体的新阶段，这是聚变工程研究的关键，这意 味着核聚变像"火焰"一样，由反应本身产生的热量来维持，是未来持续发电的基础。 "这是'无人区'的探索，将面临许多工程与物理挑战。"宋云涛说，牵头启动国际科学计划，既能依 托中国超导托卡马克大科学团队的建制化优势，也有助于凝聚全球科学家的智慧与力量，协同突破聚变 11 月 24 日在安徽合肥未来大科学城拍摄的燃烧等离子体国际科学计划项目启动暨紧凑型聚变能实验装置 BEST 研究计划发布活动现场。新华社记者 何曦悦 摄 中国科学院"燃烧等离子体"国际科学计划项目24日正式启动，面向全球开放包括紧凑型聚变能实验 装置BEST在内的多个领先的聚变能实验装置及平台，协同攻关科学难题，携手点亮人类清洁能源的未 来。 根据国际科学计划，中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院等离子体物理研究所将面向全球开放多个核聚 变大科学装置平台，通过设立开放科研基金、资助高频次专家互访交流、搭建联合实验平台等，围绕聚 变物理前沿问题开展合作研究。 在安徽合肥未来大 ...

与会人士表示，经过国际聚变科学界数十年的合作与发展，聚变研究取得了一系列重大突破，但依然面 临诸多挑战，需凝聚全球科学家的智慧与力量，开展更为务实、紧密、开放的国际交流与合作，共同开 创聚变能源未来，实现人类"终极能源"梦想。 国际合作加码 11月24日，中国科学院"燃烧等离子体"国际科学计划项目在合肥未来大科学城正式启动。同时，紧凑型 聚变能实验装置（BEST）研究计划面向全球发布。来自法国、英国、德国、意大利、瑞士等十余个国 家的聚变科学家共同签署《合肥聚变宣言》，该宣言倡导开放共享与合作共赢精神，鼓励各国的科研人 员到中国开展聚变合作研究。 加速走向工程验证 采购、融资"热度"空前 中金公司研报认为，从发展路径来看，当前，欧洲聚焦以ITER为核心的国际合作体系，国内推 进"CFETR-DEMO"自主路线，北美则以私营企业为主体，整体看来，全球核聚变发展正处于向百兆瓦 级工程演进的关键跃迁期，未来5年至10年将有多个示范性装置陆续落地。 聚变工程进入关键期 核聚变能近年来在世界范围内广受关注，国际原子能机构（IAEA）日前发布的《世界聚变能源展望 2025》显示，近40个国家正推进聚变计划，超过160个聚 ...

Core Insights - The conference on controlled nuclear fusion held in Chengdu gathered nearly 2000 participants from over 60 countries, highlighting the global enthusiasm and commitment towards the commercialization of fusion energy [1][2] Group 1: International Cooperation - The establishment of the first International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Fusion Research and Training Collaboration Center in China signifies a consensus among multiple countries on the importance of international collaboration in the fusion energy sector [2] - Representatives from various countries expressed a strong desire for cooperation and technology exchange, emphasizing the need for diverse collaboration models to share insights on technology and regulation [4] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The fusion energy sector is currently transitioning from scientific research to engineering practice, marking a critical phase in its development [2] - The global fusion energy research has entered a new stage characterized by parallel development and rapid iteration, with scientists and engineers collaborating to envision future energy solutions [4] Group 3: Industry Development - The achievements in the ITER project, particularly the first wall project led by a prominent scientist, demonstrate the significant technological advancements and the development of related industries over the past decades [2] - The "China Circulation No. 3" project, which successfully achieved its first discharge in December 2020, reflects the ongoing commitment and emotional investment of the younger generation in advancing fusion energy [2]

Core Insights - The development of fusion energy has entered a new phase, with significant advancements in technology and international collaboration [3][4]. Group 1: Fusion Energy Challenges and Opportunities - Achieving controlled nuclear fusion requires creating extreme conditions, with plasma needing to be heated to over 100 million degrees Celsius, which is 6 to 7 times the temperature at the sun's core [2]. - Successful controlled fusion could lead to profound changes, providing a nearly limitless clean energy source and reducing reliance on fossil fuels [2]. Group 2: Global Progress in Fusion Research - The global fusion energy research is now characterized by parallel pathways and rapid iterations, with two main technical routes: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement [3]. - The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the largest global fusion research project, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic confinement fusion by 2040 to 2050 [3]. Group 3: China's Role in Fusion Energy Development - China has established itself as a key player in fusion energy, with a complete nuclear industrial system and a collaborative innovation framework involving academia and industry [4][5]. - Significant milestones include the "Chinese Circulation No. 3" achieving over 100 million degrees Celsius and the EAST facility setting a world record for high-quality burning at 100 million degrees for 1000 seconds [5].

Core Insights - The concept of creating a "man-made sun" for limitless clean energy is a significant human aspiration, but achieving controlled nuclear fusion remains a complex challenge due to the extreme conditions required for fusion reactions [2][3]. Group 1: Current State of Fusion Energy Research - Global fusion energy research has entered a new phase characterized by parallel pathways and rapid iterations, with two main technical routes: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement [4]. - The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the largest global fusion research project, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic confinement fusion by 2040 to 2050 [4]. - Several large tokamak experimental devices have achieved the harsh conditions necessary for fusion reactions, but significant scientific and engineering challenges remain in improving fusion power gain and maintaining stable plasma [4]. Group 2: China's Role in Fusion Energy Development - China is actively advancing international cooperation in fusion energy, with the establishment of a fusion energy research and training collaboration center in Chengdu, enhancing its global influence in this field [6]. - The China National Nuclear Corporation is developing fusion reactors in a phased approach, with plans to conduct burning plasma experiments around 2027 and subsequently build demonstration and commercial reactors [5]. - Significant milestones in China's fusion research include achieving temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius in the "Chinese Circulation No. 3" project and setting a world record for high-quality burning in the EAST facility [6].

Core Insights - The interview with Rodolphe, former director of the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center and deputy director-general of ITER, highlights that while some capital has entered the nuclear fusion sector, commercialization is still a significant distance away [1] - The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is described as the largest nuclear fusion experimental facility globally, but it is primarily a scientific research laboratory and does not generate electricity [1] - After the completion of ITER, an additional 10 to 20 years of experimentation will be required to enhance understanding of scientific and technological maturity in the field [1]

Core Insights - The article draws a parallel between the historical achievement of laying the transatlantic cable and the current pursuit of controlled nuclear fusion, highlighting the strategic vision and determination required in both endeavors [9][10]. Historical Context - In 1854, an American businessman named Field aimed to lay a transatlantic cable, which was deemed impossible due to the technological limitations of the time [3][4]. - After multiple failed attempts, including a significant setback in 1865, Field finally succeeded in 1866, enabling communication between the UK and the US, which was celebrated as a monumental achievement [5][6][7]. Current Industry Focus - Controlled nuclear fusion is emerging as a critical area of competition among nations, with significant investments and research efforts directed towards making it a viable energy source [10][11]. - The raw materials for nuclear fusion, such as deuterium and tritium, are abundant, with deuterium found in seawater, making it a potentially limitless energy source [12]. Investment and Development - The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in France represents a significant global effort in nuclear fusion research, with various countries, including China, actively participating [14]. - Chinese private enterprises, such as New Hope Group, are increasingly involved in nuclear fusion projects, marking a shift from state-dominated initiatives to private sector participation [19][21]. Technological Milestones - New Hope Group's "Xuanlong-50U" device achieved its first plasma discharge in January 2024, marking a significant step in the development of controlled nuclear fusion technology [21]. - The project is notable for being the first privately initiated controlled nuclear fusion project in China, focusing on the hydrogen-boron fusion route, which is less common than the deuterium-tritium approach [21][22]. Challenges Ahead - The path to achieving practical nuclear fusion is fraught with challenges, including the need for extremely high temperatures and effective plasma confinement [31]. - The hydrogen-boron fusion route presents additional difficulties, requiring temperatures around 3 billion degrees Celsius, which have never been achieved [31]. Market Dynamics - The global investment landscape for nuclear fusion has seen a surge, with approximately $6.5 billion invested in commercial fusion startups over the past five years, indicating a growing interest from private capital [41]. - The flexibility and rapid decision-making capabilities of private enterprises may lead to faster advancements in nuclear fusion technology compared to government-led initiatives [42]. Future Outlook - The article concludes that while significant progress has been made, the journey towards commercial nuclear fusion is still in its early stages, with many hurdles to overcome before it can become a practical energy source [46].

Core Insights - The ITER project, involving over 30 countries, has completed the construction of the world's largest and strongest pulsed superconducting magnet system, marking a significant milestone towards achieving controllable nuclear fusion energy [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - ITER is a tokamak device designed to produce large-scale nuclear fusion reactions, simulating the fusion process that powers the sun, with funding from the EU, China, the US, Japan, South Korea, India, and Russia [2] - The fusion process involves combining hydrogen isotopes to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy, and unlike current nuclear power, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste and uses fuel abundantly found in seawater [2] Group 2: Technical Achievements - The newly completed pulsed magnet system is referred to as the "electromagnetic heart" of the tokamak, essential for magnetic confinement fusion [2] - The central solenoid is a cylindrical magnet measuring 18 meters in height and 4.25 meters in diameter, with a magnetic field strength of 13 teslas, equivalent to 280,000 times the Earth's magnetic field, capable of lifting an aircraft carrier [2] - The total weight of the assembled pulsed magnet system will be close to 3,000 tons, with superconducting magnetic rings produced in collaboration with China [2] Group 3: International Collaboration - ITER is recognized as a model of international cooperation, having maintained its collaborative framework despite geopolitical changes, with thousands of scientists and engineers from multiple countries working together [3] - The project has evolved from its inception in 1985 to the current stage, with significant milestones achieved in construction and installation [3] Group 4: Commercialization Prospects - The fusion energy sector is experiencing a surge in private investment, with a growing number of companies pursuing fusion technology [4] - Predictions for the commercialization of fusion energy vary widely among private enterprises, with timelines ranging from 2028 to 2040 or beyond, reflecting differences in technological approaches and engineering challenges [4]

Core Points - The ITER project, involving over 30 countries, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of the world's largest and strongest pulsed superconducting magnet system, marking a crucial step towards controllable nuclear fusion energy [1][2] - ITER aims to simulate the nuclear fusion process of the sun, exploring the commercial viability of fusion technology, with a focus on using hydrogen isotopes to produce helium and release vast amounts of energy [1][2] Group 1: Technical Achievements - The newly completed pulsed magnet system is referred to as the "electromagnetic heart" of the tokamak device, essential for magnetic confinement fusion [2][3] - The central solenoid of the magnet system is 18 meters tall and 4.25 meters in diameter, with a magnetic field strength of 13 teslas, capable of lifting an aircraft carrier [2] - The entire pulsed magnet system will weigh nearly 3,000 tons, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project [2] Group 2: Global Collaboration - ITER is recognized as a model of international cooperation, having maintained its collaborative framework despite geopolitical changes, involving contributions from the EU, China, the US, Japan, South Korea, India, and Russia [3][4] - The project has seen thousands of scientists and engineers from hundreds of factories across three continents working together, with over 100,000 kilometers of superconducting wire produced by nine factories in six countries [3][4] Group 3: Commercial Prospects - The past five years have seen a surge in private investment in fusion energy research, with ITER encouraging collaboration between member states and the private sector to accelerate the realization of fusion energy [4][5] - Predictions for the commercialization of fusion energy vary widely among private sector representatives, ranging from 2028 to 2040 or even longer, due to differing technological pathways and foundational engineering challenges [4][5]

Core Insights - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly empowering fusion research, aiming to reshape the ecosystem of nuclear fusion studies through deep collaboration among academia, industry, and policy [1][4] - Nuclear fusion, often referred to as the "artificial sun," simulates the energy release mechanism of the sun, requiring extreme conditions to fuse light atomic nuclei into heavier ones, thus providing a virtually limitless energy source [1][2] Group 1: Current Developments in Fusion Research - The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project involves resources from 35 countries globally, while China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) collaborates with ITER, creating an innovative network covering approximately 70 countries and over 150 research institutions [2] - China's "Circulation Three" project is set to open for international collaboration by the end of 2023, with the first round of joint experiments in 2024 attracting participation from 17 global institutions, research institutes, and universities [2] Group 2: AI's Role in Fusion Research - AI has demonstrated significant advantages in handling complex data related to nuclear fusion, enabling precise predictions and intelligent control, transforming plasma data analysis from "hours of modeling" to "milliseconds for solutions" [3] - The introduction of AI allows for 300 milliseconds of advance prediction, effectively preventing interruptions in fusion reactions due to plasma instability, a feat traditional commercial software cannot achieve [3] - AI models can integrate specialized knowledge, expert experience, and experimental records, potentially leading to the establishment of a cross-device database, fundamentally revolutionizing fusion research paradigms [3] Group 3: Future Implications - The deepening integration of AI and fusion research is expected to pave the way for an open-source ecosystem, breaking down data barriers and enhancing resource integration to lower research and development risks [3] - This collaboration will also reduce the marginal costs of knowledge integration, promoting cross-disciplinary cooperation and accelerating the fusion research process [3][4] - The combination of AI and nuclear fusion represents a pinnacle challenge in science and engineering, serving as a test of human collaborative intelligence [3][4]