A Star on Earth

At the Energy Department’s Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, scientists are trying to accomplish what was once considered the realm of science fiction: create a star on Earth. The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) is a magnetic fusion device that is used to study the physics principles of spherically shaped plasmas — hot ionized gases in … Read more

Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion?

Hank Magnuski on Feb 26, 2016 Nuclear fusion is the holy grail of energy generation because by fusing two hydrogen atoms together into a single helium atom it releases enormous amounts of energy, yet represents a clean, safe, sustainable and secure form of power. The most tried and true approach for generating nuclear fusion energy … Read more

Activation of Wendelstein 7-X

IPP Feb. 3, 2016 German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends & triggers the first Hydrogen Plasma experiment of the Wendelstein W7-X Stellarator fusion containment device. This is the Max Planck Institute official ceremony video from the Hydrogen Plasma initiation ceremony held 3 April 2016. You may advance the video to approximately 39 minutes to watch the … Read more

One step closer to fusion power

Published on Jan 21, 2016 by MIT For the first time, researchers show two types of turbulence within plasma that cause significant heat loss. Solving this problem could take the world a step closer to fusion power which has the promise of limitless and relatively clean energy. (Learn more: https://mitsha.re/XmrC3) Video produced and edited: Melanie … Read more

Wendelstein 7-X: The first helium plasma

On 10th December 2015 the first helium plasma was produced in the Wendelstein 7-X fusion device at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Greifswald. After more than a year of technical preparations and tests, experimental operation has now commenced according to plan. Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s largest stellarator-type fusion device, will investigate … Read more

Major Step Towards Fusion Power Acheived

Published on Nov 15, 2015 Graham Templeton of Extreme Tech reports that the first major fusion collaboration between Chinese and US research teams has released a surprising finding on the future of magnetic confinement fusion: by lowering the distance between the plasma and the wall of the chamber that contains it, they can actually make … Read more

Strange twisted design could finally make fusion power a reality

Stellarator’ reactor to be turned on for first time: Strange twisted design could finally make fusion power a reality, say scientists It is an alternative to the common donut-shaped Tokamak reactor design W7-X reactor claims to be safer and more effective at containing plasma Device is currently awaiting regulatory approval for startup in November