Fusion energy: Japan and Europe generate tokamak plasma
-JT-60SA successfully conducts tokamak plasma experiment-
-QST’s Tokamak Plasma Experiment Facility-
We will provide a summary of QST disclosure information.
Fusion energy: Japan and Europe generate tokamak plasma
-JT-60SA successfully conducts tokamak plasma experiment-
-QST’s Tokamak Plasma Experiment Facility-
We will provide a summary of QST disclosure information.
Tokamak-type superconducting/plasma experimental device
JT-60SA is the world’s largest tokamak-type superconducting plasma experimental device.
It was jointly constructed by Japan and Europe in parallel with the Eater Project*3.
Joint development is underway in Japan and Europe with the aim of early commercialization of fusion energy.
JT-60SA generates tokamak plasma:
From May 2023, JT-60SA integrated test operation*4 has resumed.
Currently, superconducting coil cooling and current testing are continuing normally.
October 23rd 17:30 (Japan time):
JT-60SA was the first to successfully generate tokamak plasma.
Functional demonstration of JT-60SA system:
The JT-60SA demonstrated that each component works together and functions as a system.
QST fully supports ITER:
We will actively utilize the knowledge gained from JT-60SA in ITER and future DEMO reactors*5.
https://www.qst.go.jp/site/press/20231024-1.html
*1 What is JT-60SA (JT-60 Super Advanced):
Japan-Europe joint satellite tokamak project.
QST facility in Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture:
At present, it is the world’s largest tokamak-type superconducting plasma experimental device.
Objectives of the satellite tokamak project:
Support research to achieve Eater’s technical goals,
Complementary research on Eater for DEMO reactor,
and human resource development.
JT-60SA capabilities:
Uses a powerful superconducting coil cooled to -269℃ (absolute temperature approximately 4K).
Confines plasma that reaches 100 million degrees.
*2 What is a tokamak?
A method of confining high-temperature plasma using a magnetic field.
The main magnetic field created by the external coil
A circumferential toroidal magnetic field and a circumferential current are passed through the plasma.
Combines the radial poloidal magnetic field created by
Contains high-temperature plasma. Eater is also a tokamak type device.
*3 What is the ITER plan:
International cooperation among the seven regions of Japan, Europe, Russia, the United States, China, South Korea, and India.
A plan to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy.
The goal is to obtain fusion energy (Q≧10) that is 10 times the input energy.
*4What is integrated test operation?
A series of operations performed to check the operation of JT-60SA.
1. Starting with evacuation of the JT-60SA, cooling of the superconducting coil and conduction test.
2. After that, we will actually generate plasma and check the overall operation of the JT-60SA.
Refers to a series of operations
*5What is a prototype reactor?
The DEMO reactor is a next-generation device built based on the results of JT-60SA and Eater.
A device that demonstrates the power generation and economic efficiency of fusion energy.
Conceptual designs for DEMO reactors are currently being developed around the world.