The 3rd China Magnetic Confinement Fusion Energy Conference and Fusion Energy Week were successfully held in Mianyang, Sichuan from Nov. 27th to Dec. 1st 2023, themed “Fusion Dream, Low-carbon Future”. Dr. Tan Yi, the Chief Scientist of Startorus Fusion, and Mr. Chen Rui, the CEO of Startorus Fusion, were invited to attend the event. During the conference, Dr. Tan shared insights on the main characteristics of spherical tokamaks, summarized the research progress of SUNIST, and presented updates and research plans for SUNIST-2. Mr. Chen delivered a special report on the latest technological advancements of Startorus Fusion and participated in a high-level dialogue on fusion science, technology, and finance.
The China Magnetic Confinement Fusion Energy Conference is held every two years. The current event was organized by the Institute of Materials Science and the Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, to provide a platform for learning, exchange, collaborative innovation, and win-win cooperation in the fields of magnetic confinement fusion science, engineering, management, and high-tech enterprises in China. It accelerates the advancement of magnetic confinement fusion technology to higher levels and broader domains. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Hang Yihong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the China Academy of Engineering Physics; Cao Lijun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Mianyang Municipal Party Committee; Liu Quansheng, Deputy Secretary-General of the Sichuan Provincial Government; Qian Xiaoyong, Deputy Director of the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center and Luo Wenhua, Director of the Institute of Materials Science of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, who delivered speeches during the ceremony.
Startorus Fusion’s Chief Scientist Tan Yi at the reporting
In the presentation titled "Overview of Spherical Tokamak's Main Characteristics", Dr. Tan delivered a special report on the technical features and development trends of the spherical tokamak. He provided insights into the current research topics, technical challenges, and specific projects in the field of spherical tokamaks worldwide. Dr. Tan emphasized that extensive theoretical work and substantial experimentation have demonstrated the improved magnetohydrodynamic stability and confinement performance of the spherical tokamak. The spherical torus enables various means of supporting fusion development.
In his two reports titled "Summary of SUNIST Research Progress" and "Progress and Research Plans of SUNIST-2", Dr. Tan pointed out that since the 1990s, the spherical tokamak has demonstrated excellent fusion performance, leading to advancements in related field development. In 2002, the SUNIST device was established and achieved its first plasma. By 2022, the SUNIST device had accumulated over 100,000 discharges over a span of 20 years. Research findings in areas such as toroidal isolation effects, three-dimensional eddy currents in the vacuum chamber, and the transient process of ECW startup have contributed to the development of SUNIST-2.
SUNIST-2 takes a first-principles approach to address the crucial issues of heating and confinement in controlled fusion plasma. It proposes the use of double-loop startup and magnetic reconnection heating to effectively heat the plasma. To achieve high-performance plasma confinement, SUNIST-2 employs high-temperature superconducting magnetic fields, low aspect ratio spherical tokamaks, and repetitive multi-pulse operation. The fusion team at Tsinghua University received funding for this project as part of the National Natural Science Foundation's Major Instrumentation Program for 2018-2019. In July 2023, SUNIST-2 successfully achieved its first plasma and conducted preliminary experiments with magnetic reconnection heating. The next phase of the project will focus on further improving performance and exploring new operational modes.
CEO of Startorus Fusion - Chen Rui delivering a special report
In Mr. Chen's special report titled "Quickly and Economically Achieving Fusion Energy - Startorus Fusion Energy Solution", he stated that recent advancements in fusion-related technologies, such as optimized magnetic field structures, the introduction of new types of divertors, and the application of new-generation high-temperature superconducting materials, have enabled commercial companies to achieve higher magnetic field intensities within compact dimensions. Furthermore, the integration of AI technology has contributed to more stable operation of fusion devices. These significant advancements have opened up an alternative path for the development of fusion energy, in addition to the efforts of national programs. At the same time, there has been a rapid inflow of global capital into the field of fusion energy. As of 2023, there are a total of 45 commercial fusion companies worldwide, with a combined financing amount of $6.2 billion. This signifies that commercial controlled nuclear fusion is on the eve of a historic breakthrough.
Chen Rui emphasized that after two years of work, Startorus Fusion achieved a plasma current of 220 kA at the end of October 2023, doubling the previous value from July. Additionally, the high-temperature superconductivity team has started designing the first toroidal magnet for the next-generation device and exploring the use of high-temperature superconducting magnets for plasma production. In terms of IT, Startorus Fusion has developed a complete visualization platform for the automatic display of discharge data. Moreover, in November 2023, Startorus Fusion conducted experiments on magnetic reconnection heating and observed promising heating effects of the plasma. In conclusion, Chen Rui expressed special thanks to domestic partners such as the Institute of Plasma Physics, Southwestern Institute of Physics, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology for their strong support of Startorus Fusion. He expressed a desire to continue collaborating with various domestic institutions to jointly advance the development of fusion energy in China.
The 3rd China Magnetic Confinement Fusion Energy Conference and Fusion Energy Week: Science, Technology, Finance and Fusion Summit Dialogue
From left to right: Zhang Ya, Yang Xiaofeng, Liu Minsheng, Chen Rui, Guo Houyang, Liu Weitao
A summit dialogue on technology and finance within the fusion circle was also held at the conference. The dialogue guests included Zhang Ya, Chairman of Chengdu Guoguang Electric, Yang Xiaofeng, Chairman and General Manager of Fusion New Energy (Anhui), Liu Minsheng, President of Xin’ao Energy Research Institute, Chen Rui, CEO of Shaanxi Startorus Fusion, Guo Houyang, Co-founder/Chief Scientist of Energy Singularity (Shanghai), and Liu Weitao, Senior Marketing Manager of Western Superconducting Technologies. All parties unanimously agreed that fusion energy is the most promising industry sector with immeasurable market prospects and societal significance. With the rapid development of this field, the fusion of science, technology, finance, and government policy support plays an increasingly important role in the industry. Local governments should provide policy support and guarantee measures, further facilitating communication and collaboration among “science, finance, and industry”. The success of this conference will help exchanges and cooperation in the process of promoting fusion energy commercialization, fill in shortcomings, and help improve the quality and efficiency of the fusion energy industry.
