China’s fusion energy program has reached a significant engineering milestone. Known as the “artificial sun” project, this advancement is crucial in China’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Understanding Fusion Energy
Fusion is a process that generates energy by combining light atomic nuclei, unlike traditional nuclear power plants that split heavy atoms. Natural fusion occurs in stars, but replicating it on Earth requires extremely high temperatures, over 180 million degrees Fahrenheit. Powerful magnetic fields are essential to contain the plasma since no material can endure direct contact with such heat.
Fusion is viewed as a promising long-term energy source. Hydrogen forms, used as fuel, are widely available. The reaction produces no carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly. Unlike wind or solar energy, fusion energy isn’t affected by weather or daylight, and it doesn’t depend on combustion like fossil fuels.
Recent Developments
On June 27, researchers at the Institute of Plasma Physics in Hefei, Anhui province, successfully tested two key superconducting magnet systems for future fusion reactors. These include a large toroidal-field magnet and a high-temperature superconducting central solenoid coil. Both systems are vital for containing the superheated plasma.
The large toroidal-field magnet, measuring 69 feet by 39 feet by 11 feet and weighing 582 metric tons, is D-shaped with 16 identical magnets forming a complete torus. It has a 6.5-tesla magnetic field capacity and is designed to last 60 years under extreme stress. The central solenoid coil, an HTS 60 kA component, stabilizes the plasma current.
The toroidal-field magnet suspends plasma inside the reactor without touching its walls, storing energy three times higher than similar magnets used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France. The central solenoid aids in stabilizing the reaction by driving the plasma current.
According to Chinese state researchers, the systems are entirely Chinese-made. Engineering efforts over six years produced 47 patents and 14 technical standards to develop and produce necessary raw materials. Western verification of these claims is not available.
This recent test did not aim to produce electricity but demonstrated successful development and testing of reactor-scale components, paving the way for future experimental devices and demonstration systems. These magnets are part of the CRAFT facility, supporting future reactors.
In 2021, China’s artificial sun reactor, formally known as the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), set a record by sustaining high-temperature plasma for 1,056 seconds.
China’s Investments in Green Energy
China has allocated at least $6.5 billion to commercial fusion-related projects between 2023 and September 2025. This investment reflects Beijing’s determination to prioritize fusion energy, as detailed in its latest five-year plan.
Experts Jane Nakano and Yu-Hsuan Yeh from the Center for Strategic and International Studies have mentioned that China is focusing on “new quality productive forces” to enable technology-driven growth rather than relying on capital-intensive manufacturing. Fusion energy is part of China’s “frontier technology areas,” which also include AI, quantum technology, and deep-sea and arctic exploration.
Challenges and Global Efforts
Currently, no country has successfully generated electricity from fusion at a commercial scale. ITER remains the largest multinational fusion research initiative, while the United States, Japan, and South Korea also maintain significant programs, incorporating both governmental and private-sector efforts.