On the 12th February, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) achieved a new world record for plasma duration with a tokamak. The CEA's machine WEST sustained a plasma pulse for over 22 minutes, 1,337 seconds, breaking the previous record set in January by China's EAST machine, which had achieved 1,066 seconds. This is a crucial step toward longer pulses in tokamaks, which are essential for sustained fusion energy.
JET in the UK was not designed as a long pulse machine, but successfully extended pulses beyond 60 seconds, surpassing normal control and protection system limits through significant modifications and careful preparation. As efforts to optimise long-pulse operations continue, we applaud the various initiatives driving this progress.
UKAEA celebrates WEST's milestone of sustaining a 22 minute plasma
On the 12th February, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) achieved a new world record for plasma duration with a tokamak. The CEA's machine WEST sustained a plasma pulse for over 22 minutes, 1,337 seconds, breaking the previous record set in January by China's EAST machine, which had achieved 1,066 seconds. This is a crucial step toward longer pulses in tokamaks, which are essential for sustained fusion energy.
JET in the UK was not designed as a long pulse machine, but successfully extended pulses beyond 60 seconds, surpassing normal control and protection system limits through significant modifications and careful preparation. As efforts to optimise long-pulse operations continue, we applaud the various initiatives driving this progress.