Japan inaugurates its new nuclear fusion reactor, “the younger brother of ITER”

“ 5,4,3,2,1…zero ! » A cheerful atmosphere on Friday at the control center of the National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology (QST) in Naka, central Japan. Under thunderous applause, the European and Japanese dignitaries together pressed the red button, causing a strange, fleeting spherical blue light to appear on a giant screen. Their joy, as if they were liberated, is reminiscent of the joy of a successful rocket launch. And for good reason: This group of scientists got closer, in a certain way, to the Sun by taking an important step in perfecting the process by which a star produces energy: nuclear fusion. They were actually able to produce and maintain about 160 meters for twelve seconds³ The plasma needed to start the fusion reaction. register.

“ We have taken a fundamental step on the path to integration »European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson received…