In a landmark step for clean energy innovation, the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, has delivered the world's largest toroidal field (TF) coil case. This achievement accelerates progress toward practical fusion energy solutions, a potential game-changer for global sustainability efforts.
The TF coil case, a 21-meter by 12-meter structure weighing 400 tonnes, serves as the backbone of fusion reactor magnet systems. Crafted from specialized cryogenic steels, it surpasses components used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in both scale and technical complexity. Engineers highlight its dual role in protecting superconducting coils while stabilizing other critical reactor components.
"This isn't just about breaking size records," explains a project spokesperson. "The precision required to manufacture such components at cryogenic temperatures pushes materials science to new frontiers." The breakthrough has already attracted attention from aerospace and marine engineering sectors, with potential applications in extreme-environment technologies.
As nations race to develop viable fusion energy, China's progress through initiatives like CRAFT positions it at the forefront of this transformative field. The project's success could reshape energy markets and industrial supply chains across Asia within the next decade.
