Recent advancements in nuclear fusion research have been made at the WEST facility in France, where scientists are investigating the use of tungsten as a material for future fusion reactors. The lead author of a study published in ‘Nuclear Fusion,’ J. Bucalossi from the CEA’s IRFM in Saint Paul-lez-Durance, highlights the significance of this research for the development of next-generation fusion devices like ITER and DEMO.
The mission of WEST, or the Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak, is to explore long-duration operations in a full tungsten environment. This is crucial for preparing for ITER, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale energy source. The latest phase of WEST, which began in December 2022, has focused on testing a new divertor made entirely of actively cooled ITER-grade tungsten mono-blocks. This development is essential because the divertor plays a critical role in managing heat and particles from the plasma during fusion reactions.
Bucalossi noted, “Despite the reduced operating window due to tungsten, rapid progress has been made in long pulse operation, resulting in discharges with a pulse length of 100 s and an injected energy of around 300 MJ per discharge.” This indicates that the facility is achieving significant energy outputs, which is a promising sign for the future of fusion energy.
The research has shown that as plasma fluence increases, there is a gradual buildup of deposits and the appearance of dust, which can affect plasma operation. However, the team has already accumulated an impressive 43 GJ of injected energy and over 5 hours of plasma time in their initial campaigns. These achievements suggest that the technology is maturing and may soon be ready for broader application.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this research is the demonstration of a controlled X-Point Radiator regime. This regime could pave the way for better understanding of plasma exhaust and plasma-wall interactions, which are critical for the efficiency and longevity of fusion reactors. By optimizing these interactions, researchers can enhance the performance of future reactors, ultimately contributing to more sustainable energy solutions.
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory. As the world seeks cleaner energy sources to combat climate change, advancements in fusion technology could provide a nearly limitless source of energy. The work being done at WEST not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also opens up commercial opportunities in the energy sector. Companies involved in materials science, energy production, and advanced manufacturing may find new avenues for innovation and investment as fusion technology progresses.
As Bucalossi sums up, the lessons learned from the manufacturing and operation of the ITER-grade divertor are vital for optimizing future fusion operations. The ongoing research at WEST is a step toward realizing the potential of fusion energy, which could play a transformative role in the global energy landscape.
