UK Scientists Achieve Fusion Breakthrough with 3D Magnetic Coils

A team of researchers at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has made a significant advancement in fusion energy by successfully stabilizing plasma using a three-dimensional magnetic field for the first time. This breakthrough, achieved at the MAST Upgrade facility in Oxfordshire, could play a crucial role in addressing one of the major challenges associated with harnessing nuclear fusion as a viable energy source.

The experiment involved applying Resonant Magnetic Perturbation (RMP) coils to the plasma in a spherical tokamak setup, effectively suppressing Edge Localized Modes (ELMs), which are instabilities that can damage equipment within fusion reactors. According to the UKAEA, this achievement marks a historic moment in the field of fusion research, demonstrating that advanced control techniques can be adapted for more compact configurations.

Overcoming Fusion Energy Challenges

Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, involves merging atomic nuclei to release vast amounts of energy. The MAST Upgrade, which began operations in 2020, is currently the largest spherical tokamak in operation. It is designed to confine fusion fuel at extremely high temperatures, creating plasma necessary for the fusion reaction. However, maintaining plasma stability is essential, as fluctuations in pressure, density, or current can lead to instability, impacting the performance and safety of the reactor.

In a press release, James Harrison, Head of MAST Upgrade Science at UKAEA, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “Suppressing ELMs in a spherical tokamak is a landmark achievement. It is an important demonstration that advanced control techniques developed for conventional tokamaks can be successfully adapted to compact configurations to develop the scientific basis for future power plants like the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).”

Investment in the Future of Fusion Energy

The recent experiment was part of MAST Upgrade’s fourth scientific campaign, which aimed to enhance understanding of plasma properties and improve plasma exhaust control. The findings are expected to inform the design of future ELM control systems for the STEP program, which aspires to produce net electricity from fusion by 2040. This program is central to the UK government’s ambitious £2.5 billion investment in nuclear fusion, aimed at making fusion energy a reality.

The advances made by the UKAEA not only bolster the scientific foundation for nuclear fusion but also align with global efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources. As researchers continue to explore and refine these technologies, the potential for fusion energy to provide a nearly limitless supply of clean energy becomes increasingly tangible.