Nuclear fusion forum opens in Hefei

The "Nuclear Fusion - Illuminating the Future" forum opens in Hefei.

The "Nuclear Fusion - Illuminating the Future" forum of the 25th Annual Meeting of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), opened in Hefei, Anhui province on Oct 23.

Organized by the China Nuclear Society, the forum was co-sponsored by the Southwest Institute of Physics, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Anhui Nuclear Society.

In his speech, Zhang Hongwen, standing committee member of the Anhui Provincial Party Committee and vice governor of Anhui province, pointed out that nuclear fusion energy research has increasingly become a focus of international scientific and technological competition and cooperation.

He urged efforts in both scientific research and engineering to explore "research driven by mission needs" and "engineering aimed at commercial applications", suggested strengthening the verification of key core technologies, enhancing project management, and achieving fusion power demonstration as soon as possible.

“We must adhere to the integration of technology and industry, conduct organized scientific research with an industrial mindset, improve the quality and efficiency of project construction work, and accelerate the construction of a full industry chain layout.” Zhang stressed.

Yang Xuemei, Deputy Director of the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Execution Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said in her speech that over ten years of participating in the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) program, China's nuclear fusion energy research and development has made significant progress.

The country has achieved high-quality development, transitioning from following international trends to leading in certain technical directions, and has significantly increased its international influence, Yang said.

In the future, the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center will make full use of the ITER facility to conduct scientific experiments, actively build a domestic cooperation and exchange platform, and further enhance the collaborative innovation capabilities of China's nuclear fusion research and development personnel and engineering technical forces, she added.

According to Liu Jianqiao, vice chairman and secretary-general of the China Nuclear Society, there are currently 55 nuclear power units in operation in mainland China, with a total installed capacity of 5,700 MW, and 22 units under construction, leading globally in scale.

In 2022, 37 units scored full marks in the WANO comprehensive index, accounting for half of the global total. The safety of the nation’s nuclear power operation is world-leading, and significant achievements have been made in the construction of demonstration fast reactors, with remarkable results in nuclear fusion research, Liu noted.

The forum also invited ten academicians and experts to give keynote speeches, including a "Discussion on the Source of Energy,” the "Latest Progress of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project," and the "Progress, Challenges, and Prospects of Magnetic Confinement Fusion Energy Development."

The forum showcased the latest research results and technological advancements in the field, and offered insiders to share their theoretical and practical experiences. It also played a positive role in enhancing public awareness of China's fusion business, promoting academic exchanges, technical innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation.