South Korea sets a world record in nuclear fusion, sustaining 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds. Discover how this breakthrough brings us closer to limitless, clean energy.

 A Step Closer to Boundless Energy


In a groundbreaking advancement for clean energy, South Korean scientists have shattered previous records in nuclear fusion technology, sustaining temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds. This milestone, achieved with the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor—nicknamed the "Artificial Sun of Korea"—represents a significant leap toward harnessing the "holy grail" of climate solutions: unlimited, carbon-free energy.

Nuclear Fusion: The Dream of Limitless Power


Nuclear fusion mimics the natural process that powers stars, including the Sun. By fusing two light atoms into a heavier one, this reaction releases immense energy without producing greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste. Scientists worldwide have been striving to replicate this process on Earth using specialized reactors like tokamaks.

The challenge lies in creating and maintaining plasma, the fourth state of matter, at the extreme temperatures needed for fusion—approximately seven times hotter than the Sun's core. The KSTAR reactor's recent success is a pivotal moment in this quest.

South Korea's Breakthrough: Redefining Fusion Milestones


South Korean researchers have set a new benchmark in the nuclear fusion field by maintaining a plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds, eclipsing their previous record of 30 seconds in 2021. The KSTAR reactor uses powerful magnetic fields to stabilize the volatile plasma within its donut-shaped tokamak chamber, overcoming a significant barrier in fusion research.

"Achieving and sustaining these temperatures has been a monumental challenge due to the unstable nature of high-temperature plasma," explained Si-Woo Yoon, director of the KSTAR Research Center at the Korean Fusion Energy Institute (KFE). "This breakthrough brings us closer to realizing fusion as a sustainable energy source."

By 2026, the team aims to sustain these extreme conditions for 300 seconds, a feat that could transform nuclear fusion into a viable energy solution.

Global Progress in Fusion Energy


South Korea’s success builds on recent global advancements in nuclear fusion. In 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States achieved a fusion reaction that produced more energy than it consumed—a historic first. Such achievements are critical steps toward overcoming the immense scientific and engineering challenges of fusion energy.

 A Bright Future for Clean Energy


South Korea’s latest achievement marks a turning point in the journey toward limitless, carbon-free energy. While the path to commercial nuclear fusion remains complex, each milestone brings the world closer to a sustainable energy future. As nations like South Korea and the U.S. continue to push boundaries, the vision of fusion reactors powering the world may soon become a reality.