China is known for being a leader in global renewable energy and dominates when it comes to manufacturing and deployment. The country is the greatest investor in new renewable energy capacity, and significantly contributes to global renewable energy employment. Now, China is breaking barriers by breaking the world record with 100 million degrees, raising the stakes to 1,066 seconds under its man-made star. What else will the Chinese be adding to their repertoire?
Seeking the best power source under the sun
The Chinese, according to a YouTube video by CGTN Africa, have been hard at work to meet their primary climate targets, which are:
- Reducing carbon intensity by more than 65% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels
- Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in the net primary energy demand to 25% by 2030
- Achieving net-zero emissions before 2060
While the country has been significantly focused on solar and wind energy projects to achieve its climate targets, it has also been seeking what some may call “the best power source under the sun” by trying to replicate the sun, or more specifically, the power source behind stars. According to IGCC, this pursuit will ensure the country’s national energy independence, be a strategic advantage, and fuel economic growth and technological leadership.
According to ScienceDirect.com, this source can supply constant, on-demand energy, as it is limitless. Its byproducts, such as helium, are harmless with no carbon emissions. It promises high power density and requires less space than other sources, and is essentially safe. China has been working hard behind the scenes to achieve this desired clean, infinite power source, and has now raised the stakes.
Raising the stakes with its man-made star
This highly sought-after power source is called fusion power. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is an energy process during which atomic nuclei collide and combine, releasing gigantic amounts of energy. The process mimics the power of stars and can be achieved by heating hydrogen isotopes to extreme temperatures. This forms plasma, which produces heavier nuclei such as helium. The released energy can be used to produce power.
Many people have been working towards replicating the power of the stars, but so far, none have achieved the desired results, until now, perhaps. China has been breaking barriers after breaking a record in nuclear fusion research with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The EAST achieved and maintained a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius.
The results are promising for this reason
We’ve explained the basics behind nuclear fusion, but to form plasma, the required extreme temperature is a minimum of 100 million degrees Celsius. Before China achieved this temperature, atomic nuclei could not collide and fuse to produce the desired energy. An even greater challenge was to maintain this temperature long enough for energy to be released. China’s latest success demonstrates stability, as necessary upgrades to its EAST’s stability and heating efficiency have resulted in 1,066 seconds of high-confinement plasma operation, according to Environment Energy Leader. These records are welcome advancements, as they will play a key role in China and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’s upcoming Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR).
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