China Delivers Final Components to ITER’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Project
China has completed the shipment of critical components for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), marking a pivotal step in the global quest for fusion energy. The final set of Correction Coil In-Cryostat Feeder components, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP), left for the ITER site in southern France on Friday. These components form the ‘lifeline’ of ITER’s magnet system, which aims to replicate the sun’s fusion process to generate clean energy.
Breaking Down the Innovation
The shipped components, each measuring 16 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height, are part of a 1,600-tonne magnet feeder system independently developed by Chinese engineers. Lu Kun, ASIPP deputy director, emphasized the system’s role in powering reactor magnets and ensuring safe energy discharge. This achievement underscores China’s capacity to deliver highly complex engineering solutions for international scientific collaborations.
ITER’s Global Promise
Known as the ‘artificial sun,’ ITER represents a $22 billion joint effort by 35 countries and regions, including the Chinese mainland, the EU, and the U.S., to pioneer sustainable fusion energy. Unlike nuclear fission, fusion produces minimal waste and no carbon emissions. ASIPP has collaborated with over 140 institutions across 50+ countries, fostering expertise in fusion research for emerging economies.
A Climate Game Changer?
Song Yuntao, a lead scientist at ASIPP, highlighted how China’s contributions have accelerated global fusion research timelines. If successful, ITER could reshape energy systems and advance climate goals. As nations race to decarbonize, fusion energy remains a beacon of hope—and China’s role is now central to this vision.
