UK's bold stride in nuclear fusion: Tokamak Energy's superconductor breakthrough
Inspired by China's successes, the United Kingdom is testing new superconductor technology in nuclear fusion reactors. Tokamak Energy aims to revolutionise the nuclear energy sector. The application of this technology could potentially produce energy nearly four million times greater than that obtained from oil or coal. Whether this invention will change the future of energy remains an open question.
The British company Tokamak Energy is working on new superconductor technology that could revolutionise nuclear fusion reactors. The REBCO material, which scientists are developing, has the potential to generate a strong magnetic field, which is necessary to maintain plasma at the proper temperature.
A revolutionary invention to maintain plasma
Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is crucial for the nuclear fusion process. In reactors, it must reach a temperature of 117 million degrees Celsius, which has so far been difficult to achieve. Researchers are working on new technology that could significantly improve the efficiency of tokamaks, which in turn will accelerate the development of fusion reactors.
China's record result
The Chinese Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak reactor in Hefei set a record by maintaining stable plasma for 17 minutes. This achievement shows that limitless energy sources are getting closer to becoming reality. British scientists hope their work will contribute to the further development of this technology.
Despite progress, scientists are still struggling with the problem of plasma stability and heat dissipation. REBCO could open up new possibilities, but researchers still face many challenges. It is anticipated that the first functioning prototypes of reactors could appear as early as 2040.
REBCO superconductor technology is smaller and more efficient than previous solutions. This could accelerate the development of fusion reactors, which have the potential to generate energy nearly four million times greater than burning oil or coal.
