China may use nuclear fusion to generate power by 2050

China may commercialise nuclear fusion technology for emissions-free power generation by 2050, tapping into a limitless source of energy creation.

According to China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), which oversees an experimental fusion device called the "artificial sun," the country aims to begin the commercial operation of its first fusion-based power generation project around 2045. This would follow a demonstration phase that could begin roughly in 2045.

Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is considered a nearly limitless and clean source of energy. However, it's notoriously difficult to sustain and harness for practical use, and only a few countries, including the US, Russia, and South Korea, have made significant advancements in the field.

CNNC has created an industry alliance and established a new national fusion company, China Fusion Corp., which has attracted significant investment, including 1.75 billion yuan ($240 million) from CNNC and Zhejiang Zheneng Electric Power Co.

The investments will go toward developing advanced tokamak devices. These devices use magnetic fields to control superheated plasma and generate power without emissions or significant radioactive waste.

In addition to nuclear fusion, CNNC plans to scale up its production of traditional nuclear fission reactors and small modular reactors over the next five years.

By 2030, China is expected to surpass the US and France, becoming the owner of the world's largest reactor fleet.

The country has been approving around 10 new reactors annually since 2022 to address energy shortages and meet climate goals.

The ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), a collaboration of several countries, including India, is considered the most advanced nuclear fusion project at present. Based in southern France, the facility may tame fusion to generate power by early 2030s or late 20s.

Image Source: NASA