French Scientists Set World Record for Sustained Nuclear Fusion Plasma

The 22-minute plasma confinement at the CEA's West tokamak surpasses China's previous record, marking a significant step toward harnessing fusion energy.

• On February 12, 2025, French scientists at the CEA's West tokamak maintained a plasma for 1,337 seconds, breaking China's previous record by 25%.
• The achievement demonstrates improved control over plasma production and stability, crucial for advancing nuclear fusion as a viable energy source.
• Nuclear fusion replicates the reactions in stars by fusing hydrogen-derived atomic nuclei at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius.
• Researchers aim to extend plasma durations to several hours and increase temperatures to approach conditions required for energy-efficient fusion.
• This progress supports the development of the ITER project, a multinational experimental reactor, though its first plasma production has been delayed to at least 2033.

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Marianne Le Parisien Le Figaro