Has China made "artificial sun?" How does it generate massive energy by replicating nuclear fusion?

In what may be called a breakthrough that can potentially change the world energy scenario, China-based fusion energy company 'Energy Singularity' has made the world’s first high-temperature superconducting tokamak device, reports TCD. It is located in the eastern region of Shanghai and is named ‘HH70.’ With this development, China made its foray into the fusion-based clean energy market. This device is an "artificial sun" because it works on the principle of the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms that occurs in the sun.

What is a tokamak?

A tokamak is a machine that controls the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms in superheated plasma via magnets. The reaction creates helium and releases enormous energy, with no nuclear waste, unlike nuclear fission. According to China's state-controlled Global Times, was designed and installed in less than two years. Energy Singularity plans to develop a second-generation tokamak by 2027 and a technology demonstrator by 2030.

Also Read: Suspect Season 2: Release date, cast and what to expect

Nuclear fusion

Tokamak is especially important because Fission-based nuclear power is the only non-carbon-emitting energy source known to man that can be controlled. However, it creates tremendous amounts of nuclear waste. But tokamak replicates nuclear fusion and it does not generate nuclear waste.

China generates net energy gain

Nuclear scientists in a few countries including China have successfully generated a net energy gain using the technology. But tokamaks are very expensive to build.

According to the China Global Television Network, 'HH70' is smaller and cheaper and it uses a magnetic system made from high-temperature superconducting (HTS) material, commonly known as REBCO. REBCO stands for Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide, and it is cheaper to procure.

FAQs:

What is an 'artificial sun?'
A device called tokamak is also known as an 'artificial sun' because it replicates the process of nuclear fusion creating huge energy, which takes place on the Sun.

How does a tokamak work?
A tokamak controls the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms in superheated plasma via magnets. The reaction creates helium and releases enormous energy, with no nuclear waste, unlike nuclear fission.