The Joint European Torus (JET), a leading fusion research facility, has set a new energy record in its final tritium experiments. The machine consistently produced high fusion power for 5 seconds, resulting in a record of 69 megajoules using only 0.2 milligrams of fuel. This achievement marks a significant milestone in fusion science and engineering. Key individuals involved include Dr. Fernanda Rimini, JET Senior Exploitation Manager, Professor Ambrogio Fasoli, CEO at EUROfusion, and Dr. Emmanuel Joffrin, EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Task Force Leader. The results will impact future fusion projects like ITER and the UK’s STEP prototype powerplant.
JET Fusion Facility Sets New Energy Record
The Joint European Torus (JET), a prominent fusion research facility, has recently achieved a significant milestone in fusion science and engineering. The facility has demonstrated its ability to generate fusion energy reliably, while also setting a new world record for energy output.
In its final deuterium-tritium experiments (DTE3), JET consistently produced high fusion power for a duration of 5 seconds. This resulted in a record-breaking energy output of 69 megajoules, using only 0.2 milligrams of fuel. This achievement is a testament to the facility’s advanced expertise developed over time, and it showcases the potential of fusion energy as a sustainable and low-carbon energy source.
The Science Behind JET’s Success
JET operates on the principle of a tokamak, a design that uses powerful magnetic fields to confine a plasma in a doughnut shape. The most common approach to creating commercial fusion involves the use of two hydrogen variants – deuterium and tritium. When these two elements fuse together, they produce helium and vast amounts of energy. This reaction is expected to form the basis of future fusion powerplants.
The facility’s recent experiments have not only demonstrated the ability to generate fusion energy but also provided valuable insights into fusion physics. For instance, the experiments showed how to soften the intense heat flowing from the plasma to the exhaust and how to stabilize the plasma edge to prevent energy bursts from reaching the wall. These techniques are crucial for protecting the integrity of the walls of future fusion machines.
The International Collaboration Behind JET
The recent experiments at JET were a result of the collaborative efforts of over 300 scientists and engineers from EUROfusion, a consortium of researchers across Europe. These professionals conducted their research at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) site in Oxford, demonstrating the effectiveness of international collaboration in advancing fusion energy research.
The UK government has shown its commitment to fusion energy research by investing £650 million in the Fusion Futures programme. This investment aims to cement the UK’s position as a global hub for fusion research.
The Legacy and Future of JET
JET concluded its scientific operations at the end of December 2023. However, its legacy continues to influence the field of fusion energy. The facility’s research findings have critical implications for several global fusion projects, including ITER, a fusion research mega-project being built in the south of France, and the UK’s STEP prototype powerplant.
JET’s contributions to fusion science and engineering have played a crucial role in accelerating the development of fusion energy. As the facility transitions into the next phase of its life cycle for repurposing and decommissioning, its achievements underscore its enduring legacy in the evolution of fusion technology.
The Promise of Fusion Energy
Fusion energy promises to be a safe, low-carbon, and sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply. The achievements at JET, from major scientific milestones to setting energy records, highlight the potential of fusion technology. As the same reactions that fuel the Sun and stars, fusion energy symbolizes international scientific collaboration, engineering excellence, and the commitment to harnessing sustainable energy sources.
