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Shanghai Electric: Leading the Charge in Nuclear Fusion Innovation

For two decades, Shanghai Electric has positioned itself at the forefront of nuclear fusion innovation, establishing a legacy of excellence and collaboration on an international scale. The commitment to advancing nuclear fusion energy is not just a part of its business; it’s a mission that underscores its contributions towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Recently, Shanghai Electric (listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as SEHK: 2727 and on the Shanghai Stock Exchange as SSE: 601727) announced several key milestones in the realm of controlled nuclear fusion technology. Among these was the successful delivery of the world’s largest toroidal field (TF) coil case, realized in partnership with the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP). This landmark achievement was delivered to the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in Hefei, China, marking a significant advancement in the global supply chain for fusion energy components.

Additionally, the company reached another milestone by successfully delivering a cryostat for cold testing of magnets to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) site in France. This component is crucial for the ITER project, which aims to demonstrate the viability of nuclear fusion as a largescale and carbon-free energy source. The precision involved in the manufacturing and delivery process highlights the capabilities of Shanghai Electric’s manufacturing expertise in this high-stakes field.

Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric Group, stated, “As a pioneer in advanced equipment manufacturing in China, Shanghai Electric is dedicated to the development of fusion energy through technological innovation and international collaboration. We will continue to leverage our strengths in extreme manufacturing and integrated design to provide significant support for major global scientific projects like ITER, helping humanity achieve the grand goal of clean energy.”

The company’s recent technology deliveries underscore not just China’s manufacturing prowess but also its expanding role in the intricate global supply network that supports fusion research. In October, the cryostat for cold tests was shipped to the French port of Marseille, followed by a meticulous transportation process covering over 70 kilometers to reach the ITER site in Cadarache.

One of the critical achievements of the Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group was completing the production of the cryostat within an impressive timeframe of just 11 months. Overcoming stringent site-specific constraints related to height, weight, and width, the team achieved millimeter-level accuracy in shaping complex curved surfaces and assembling and welding substantial casings with large-diameter flanges that withstand deformation. They also performed initial vacuum pumping and helium leak testing on an ultra-large vessel, setting new international standards for millimeter deformity control and high vacuum sealing at 10⁻⁴ mbar.

ITER represents one of the most ambitious international megaprojects in scientific collaboration, bringing together efforts from over 30 countries, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and China. The shared goal is to achieve significant fusion reactions and move towards stable and controllable energy releases, paving the way for practical fusion energy applications.

Moreover, the world's largest toroidal field coil, co-developed by Shanghai Electric and ASIPP, was delivered to CRAFT in Hefei. Exclusively made from austenitic stainless steel, the coil measures an impressive 21 meters in height and 12 meters in width, weighing approximately 400 tons. It is notably over 1.2 times larger—and nearly twice as heavy—than the equivalent ITER component.

During the recent World Fusion Energy Conference IAEA and the 30th Fusion Energy Conference held in Chengdu, representatives from Shanghai Electric showcased two decades of achievements in fusion equipment, spanning from EAST, CRAFT, BEST, HT 6M, to HL 1. These pioneering systems have garnered significant global interest and underscore the essential role of fusion in combating climate change and meeting future energy demands.

Over the years, Shanghai Electric has tackled critical technical challenges in fusion research, including materials science, hydrogen and boron fusion with mega-ampere currents, and high-frequency laser welding with deep penetration techniques. This continuous progress has enhanced the performance of fusion devices under extreme conditions, offering replicable solutions and valuable expertise to global fusion research efforts.

In conclusion, Shanghai Electric’s commitment to nuclear fusion energy innovation, marked by the recent delivery of critical components and collaboration in global projects like ITER and CRAFT, is paving the way towards a more sustainable energy future. For more insights into their developments and ongoing projects, visit Shanghai Electric.