'20X Hotter': How India Quietly Built A Sun In The Shadow of China's Record Plasma Feat
India's Steady State Superconducting Tokamak Nuclear Fusion
Reactor
India's recent advancements in nuclear fusion technology have positioned it as
a significant player in the global race for sustainable energy. The SST-1
Tokamak, operational since 2013, has achieved plasma temperatures 20 times
hotter than the Sun, marking a notable milestone in fusion research. This
achievement comes as China continues to make headlines with its EAST reactor,
which recently sustained plasma for 1,000 seconds, setting a new world record.
India's Steady State Superconducting Tokamak-1 Tokamak
Achieved plasma temperatures around 200 million degrees Celsius.
India’s SST-1, operational since 2013, is its answer to cutting-edge fusion
technology. It creates temperatures 20 times hotter than the Sun’s core,
marking India as one of six nations with a superconducting Tokamak.
India is set to advance its nuclear fusion capabilities with the development of the Steady-State Superconducting Tokamak-2 (SST-2), a next-generation fusion reactor. Construction is expected to commence in 2027, marking a significant step in India's ambition to lead in sustainable energy solutions.
India is making significant strides in nuclear fusion research, particularly with its Steady State Superconducting Tokamak (SST-1) project. Recently, SST-1 achieved a remarkable milestone by generating plasma at temperatures 20 times hotter than the Sun's core. This achievement positions India competitively alongside China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which has also been advancing in fusion technology.
India is planning to develop SST-2, a next-generation fusion reactor that will incorporate advanced features such as biological shielding and improved plasma control systems. Construction for SST-2 is expected to begin in 2027, marking another step towards India's ambition to be a leader in sustainable energy through nuclear fusion.
China's EAST Reactor:
China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the "artificial sun," has achieved a ground breaking milestone in nuclear fusion research. On January 20, 2025, EAST sustained plasma for an impressive 1,066 seconds, shattering the previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023.
The EAST reactor operates at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees
Celsius, which is critical for achieving stable fusion reactions.
Comparative Insights
| Feature | India (SST-1) | China (EAST) |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Temperature | 200 million degrees Celsius | 100 million degrees Celsius |
| Sustained Plasma Duration | Not specified | 1,000 seconds |
| Operational Since | 2013 | 2006 |
| Global Standing | One of six superconducting Tokamaks | Leading in sustained plasma duration |
Implications For Fusion Research
The advancements made by India and China highlight the competitive nature of
nuclear fusion research. While India's SST-1 demonstrates significant
temperature capabilities, China's EAST focuses on sustaining plasma for longer
periods. Both nations are part of the larger ITER collaboration, which aims to
develop fusion as a viable energy source.
Fusion technology is seen as a potential solution to global energy challenges
due to its ability to produce clean energy without greenhouse gas emissions.
The ongoing developments in both countries suggest that they are not only
competing but also contributing to the global knowledge pool necessary for
achieving practical fusion energy solutions.
India's achievement of creating plasma significantly hotter than that of the
Sun underscores its growing role in the field of nuclear fusion. As both India
and China continue to make strides, the future of fusion energy looks
promising, with potential implications for energy security and environmental
sustainability on a global scale.
Agencies
