France's WEST Reactor Sets New World Record in Fusion Energy
Francuski fuzioni reaktor postavio novi rekord sa 22 minuta rada 🔗
France has made a significant breakthrough in fusion energy by maintaining plasma for over 22 minutes, setting a new world record. This achievement was accomplished by the WEST Tokamak reactor, operated by the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), on February 12. Fusion energy is considered the "holy grail" of engineering due to its potential for providing an almost limitless source of clean energy. The WEST reactor surpassed its previous record, as well as a Chinese record from January 2025, by sustaining a stable reaction for 1,337 seconds (over 22 minutes) without damaging its internal components. Although WEST will not become a commercial reactor, its findings are crucial for more ambitious projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), currently under construction in southern France. This success indicates that the goal of commercial fusion energy is becoming increasingly attainable.
- France's WEST reactor achieved a world record by sustaining plasma for 22 minutes.
- This milestone is essential for future fusion projects, particularly ITER.
- The reactor's performance suggests progress toward the commercial use of fusion energy.
What is the significance of the WEST reactor's achievement?
The WEST reactor's achievement of maintaining plasma for over 22 minutes marks a major milestone in fusion energy research, suggesting that commercial fusion energy may be closer to reality.
How does the WEST reactor compare to previous records?
The WEST reactor surpassed its own previous record and a Chinese record from January 2025, which held plasma for approximately 18 minutes, achieving a duration of 1,337 seconds (over 22 minutes).
Will the WEST reactor become a commercial reactor?
No, the WEST reactor will not be converted into a commercial reactor, but its findings are critical for the development of larger projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).