KSTAR Achieves New Milestones in Fusion Energy Research
South Korea’s KSTAR fusion reactor sustained H-mode plasma for 102 seconds and 100 million°C plasma for 48 seconds, marking a major breakthrough in long-pulse fusion research.
Why in News?
The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device has achieved a new milestone by sustaining plasma in high-confinement mode (H-mode) for 102 seconds. During the same experimental campaign, it maintained plasma at 100 million°C for 48 seconds, setting a new KSTAR record.
Key Highlights
Record Plasma Performance
- KSTAR sustained plasma in H-mode for 102 seconds during experiments conducted between December 2023 and February 2024.
- The reactor maintained plasma at 100 million°C for 48 seconds.
- The previous KSTAR record for sustaining 100 million°C plasma was 30 seconds in 2021.
- These achievements are important milestones toward long-duration fusion reactions.
What is KSTAR?
- KSTAR stands for Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research.
- It is a superconducting tokamak located in Daejeon, South Korea.
- The facility is operated by the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE).
High-Confinement Mode (H-Mode)
- H-mode is a plasma operating regime first observed in 1982.
- It improves the confinement of heat and particles inside plasma.
- Better confinement increases the efficiency and stability of fusion reactions.
- Plasma temperatures of around 100 million°C are required for deuterium-tritium fusion experiments.
Divertor Upgrade
- KSTAR upgraded its reactor in 2023 by replacing carbon-based divertors with tungsten divertors.
- A divertor removes heat, impurities, and exhaust particles from the plasma edge.
- Tungsten has a melting point of 3,422°C, making it suitable for extreme fusion conditions.
- Under similar heat loads, tungsten divertors showed only a 25% increase in surface temperature compared with previous components.
Long-Term Goal
- KSTAR aims to sustain high-performance plasma for 300 seconds.
- The latest achievements bring scientists closer to developing commercially viable fusion energy.
Related Organizations and Projects
Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE)
- National fusion research institute of South Korea.
- Operates and manages KSTAR.
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)
- World’s largest fusion energy project under construction in France.
- Involves international partners including the European Union, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
- Uses tokamak technology for demonstrating fusion power generation.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- Promotes international cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear and fusion technologies.
Prelims Facts
- KSTAR stands for Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research.
- Located in Daejeon, South Korea.
- Operated by the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy.
- H-mode was first observed in 1982.
- Tungsten melting point: 3,422°C.
- KSTAR’s previous 100 million°C plasma record: 30 seconds (2021).
- New records:
- 102 seconds in H-mode.
- 48 seconds at 100 million°C.
Mains Relevance
Fusion energy is considered a potential source of clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Advances in KSTAR and other tokamak-based projects are crucial for achieving sustainable energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
