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yesterday

China’s EAST Tokamak Exceeds Greenwald Density Limit in Peer-Reviewed Test

Researchers report evidence of a “density-free” operating window that pushes viable plasma density toward breakeven, with commercialization still distant.

Huang Bohan / Xinhua via Getty Images
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Overview

  • The Science Advances paper published on January 1 details how EAST achieved stable plasma at densities above the Greenwald limit.
  • The team pre-filled the vessel with high gas pressure and used added heating during start-up to curb plasma–wall interactions and sustain higher density.
  • Co-author Ping Zhu said the findings indicate a practical, scalable pathway to extend density limits in tokamaks and future burning-plasma devices.
  • CAS researchers plan to apply the method under higher-performance conditions on EAST, and independent replication and scaling remain necessary.
  • OilPrice reports China has spent up to $13 billion on fusion in three years and is reportedly targeting a functional reactor by 2030, as some U.S. lawmakers voice strategic concerns.