China appears to be building a massive laser-fired nuclear facility in Mianyang, Sichuan province, potentially signaling a significant advancement in the global pursuit of fusion power.
In a development reminiscent of a James Bond film, China appears to be constructing a colossal nuclear facility powered by lasers in Mianyang, a prominent science and research hub in Sichuan province. Recently declassified satellite imagery reveals a research compound featuring four expansive laser bays meticulously arranged around a central 'target chamber,' complemented by several auxiliary buildings.
According to experts who have scrutinized the images, the target chamber is projected to channel the immense power generated by the four laser bays to fuse hydrogen atoms, thereby triggering the nuclear process known as fusion. This ambitious undertaking positions China firmly in the global 'fusion race,' a multi-billion dollar competition to be the first nation to develop a clean and virtually inexhaustible alternative to nuclear fission, which generates harmful radioactive byproducts. The pursuit of fusion power is not confined to China, as several countries, including the United States, alongside numerous startups, are actively engaged in this endeavor. Notably, the United States and China are already collaborating on fusion research, joining forces with other international partners in the groundbreaking ITER project based in France. ITER is widely regarded as the most promising initiative in the ongoing quest to achieve practical fusion power generation.The Reuters report, which brings to light these developments, presents satellite images showcasing the facility's four laser bay arms and the central target chamber designed to produce energy. This latest facility in China underscores the intense global competition to harness the immense potential of fusion energy.
FUSION CHINA NUCLEAR LASER ITER
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