China's Fusion Reactor Sets World Record for Plasma Confinement

The EAST tokamak sustained high-confinement plasma for over 17 minutes, advancing nuclear fusion research and energy goals.

China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) achieved a record-breaking 1,066 seconds of plasma confinement on December 30, 2024.
The breakthrough represents a significant step toward practical nuclear fusion energy, which could provide clean and limitless power.
Upgrades to EAST, including a doubled heating system output while maintaining stability, enabled this milestone.
The achievement supports global fusion research, including the delayed ITER project, which EAST scientists collaborate on extensively.
New fusion research facilities under construction in Hefei aim to further accelerate the development of sustainable fusion energy technology.