China has taken the lead in establishing international standards in the field of fusion energy, often referred to as the "dream energy."
On August 12, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) officially designated the standard "ISO 19991:2026," which was developed under China's leadership. The standard is titled "Nuclear Fusion Technology - Experimental Magnetic Confinement Fusion Facilities - Supersonic Molecular Beam Injection Fuel Supply Technology." This marks the first international standard set by ISO in the field of fusion fuel supply.
The new international standard focuses on the technology of Supersonic Molecular Beam Injection (SMBI). This technology allows for the rapid and precise injection of hydrogen-based fuels into fusion devices where ultra-high temperature plasma is generated. Fusion involves the merging of light atomic nuclei, such as deuterium and tritium, in a plasma state to produce energy. To maintain stable plasma, a continuous supply of fuel must be delivered at the right location and speed. China's SMBI technology is characterized by its ability to create high-speed molecular beams that inject fuel deep into the plasma, enhancing both the speed and directionality of fuel supply. The use of SMBI technology improves fuel supply efficiency and reduces particle recirculation, allowing for more precise control of plasma fuel density.
This technology was primarily developed by the Southwest Institute of Physics under the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and has been applied to over ten domestic and international magnetic confinement fusion experimental devices. The ISO standard includes essential technical requirements for the configuration of fuel injection systems, core performance, testing and inspection methods, and the basic technical requirements necessary for design, testing, inspection, and operation. Experts believe that by securing this international standard, China has demonstrated its possession of world-class technology in the field of fusion fuel injection.
In addition, the construction of fusion power plants faces several technological challenges, including superconducting magnets, plasma control, divertors, radiation-resistant materials, tritium production and recovery, heat removal, and remote maintenance. China has already established significant competitiveness in areas such as superconducting magnets, plasma control, and fusion device manufacturing. There is speculation that China may also secure international standards in the field of superconducting materials in the future.
Meanwhile, the artificial sun utilizes deuterium and tritium, which are abundantly found in seawater, to generate electricity without emitting pollution or radioactive waste. This is why the artificial sun is often referred to as "dream energy." However, it is expected that considerable time will be required before it becomes commercially viable.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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