Today, November 24, 2025, researchers in east China's Anhui Province gathered to inaugurate an international science program on fusion burning plasma. Officials unveiled the research plan for the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST), a compact fusion device billed as China's next "artificial sun."
Nuclear fusion replicates the reactions at the heart of our sun, fusing light atoms to release vast amounts of clean energy. The BEST tokamak aims to achieve burning plasma—a self-sustaining fusion reaction—and deliver a net energy gain, marking a critical milestone on the path to commercial fusion power.
According to the plan, the facility will be completed by the end of 2027. Once operational, BEST will target a fusion output of 20-200 megawatts to demonstrate fusion-based electricity generation. This international effort underscores a global commitment to mastering fusion energy and accelerating the transition to clean power.
Reference(s):
China launches int'l program to advance 'artificial sun' research
cgtn.com
