The Joint European Torus (JET) tokamak, operated by the EUROfusion consortium, has set a new world record for fusion energy production. During a series of experiments in December 2021, JET generated 59 megajoules (MJ) of energy from deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel over a sustained period of five seconds. This output surpasses the previous record of 21.7 MJ set in 1997, demonstrating significant progress in sustaining fusion reactions in a tokamak device. The experiments utilized a new tungsten-lined inner wall, which proved more robust under the high-heat flux conditions of the D-T plasma. Source: Arstechnica

This achievement is a critical step towards the operational readiness of ITER, the international fusion project under construction in France. JET's record-setting campaign specifically tested operational scenarios and plasma control techniques relevant to ITER's planned D-T operation. The ability to maintain a stable plasma for five seconds at these energy levels is crucial for future fusion power plants, which will require continuous or long-pulse operation. The successful use of the tungsten wall also provides valuable data for ITER's similar divertor design, which is essential for managing heat exhaust. Source: Arstechnica

This achievement is a critical step towards the operational readiness of ITER, the international fusion project under construction in France.

The experiments involved injecting 0.2 milligrams of tritium into the deuterium plasma, a quantity comparable to what a future power plant would use. The energy produced, 59 MJ, is the total fusion energy output, not net electrical power. The JET device itself consumed significantly more energy to heat and confine the plasma. However, the goal of these experiments was to validate physics models and engineering solutions for sustained D-T fusion, a necessary precursor to achieving net energy gain (Q>1) in larger devices. The data collected will inform the operational strategies for ITER and other upcoming fusion projects. Source: Arstechnica

The EUROfusion consortium, comprising research institutions from 30 European countries, manages JET. The facility has been a cornerstone of fusion research for decades, contributing vital knowledge to the tokamak approach. This latest record builds upon decades of incremental progress in plasma confinement, heating, and fuel handling. The success at JET provides renewed confidence in the tokamak pathway to fusion energy and underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling complex scientific and engineering challenges. Source: Arstechnica

Future research at JET will focus on analyzing the extensive data gathered during these record-setting campaigns. Scientists will scrutinize plasma stability, impurity control, and the performance of the new wall materials under prolonged D-T operation. This analysis will directly feed into the commissioning and early operational phases of ITER, aiming to accelerate its path to achieving sustained fusion power. The insights gained are also relevant for the design and operation of future commercial fusion power plants. Source: Arstechnica