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Shanghai Electric Leads Global Projects CRAFT and ITER

Shanghai Electric, a prominent Chinese manufacturer renowned for high-end equipment, has taken impressive steps toward fostering a sustainable future through its contributions to the global nuclear fusion projects CRAFT and ITER. These initiatives represent significant advancements in nuclear fusion technology, reflecting two decades of persistent innovation and collaboration in the field.

Recently, Shanghai Electric made headlines by delivering the world's largest toroidal field (TF) coil case and successfully deploying the cold-test cryostat for ITER in France. The advancements underscore the capabilities of Chinese firms in pushing the boundaries of nuclear fusion technology and illustrate a commitment to transitioning the world toward cleaner energy sources.

Wu Lei, president of Shanghai Electric Group, stated, "As a pioneering high-end equipment manufacturer, we are dedicated to advancing nuclear fusion through technology innovation and international collaboration. We will continue to leverage our strengths in high-performance manufacturing and engineering integration to robustly support critical global scientific projects like ITER, thereby contributing to the greater goal of clean energy for humanity."

The achievements signify not just technological prowess but also solidify China's position in the global supply chain for fusion research. In October, Shanghai Electric's Nuclear Power Group and the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) successfully delivered the cold-test cryostat for ITER to the French port of Marseille. From there, it was painstakingly transported approximately 70 kilometers to the ITER facilities in Cadarache, demonstrating the meticulous planning and execution involved in such a project.

As one of the seven primary members of the ITER project, China collaborates with global partners to advance fusion technology from laboratory-scale projects to commercial viability. The team from Shanghai Electric faced numerous challenges posed by ITER's site limitations concerning height, weight, and width, yet they completed manufacturing in an impressive 11 months. Their work included the precision shaping of large contoured surfaces and the assembly of massive housings, establishing international standards for deformation control and high-vacuum sealing.

ITER represents the largest international scientific collaboration in history, involving over 30 countries, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. The project's ultimate goal is to achieve large-scale fusion reactions and advance toward a stable and controllable energy release.

Additionally, the TF coil case delivered by Shanghai Electric to the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in Hefei, China, boasts impressive dimensions; it stands 21 meters tall, 12 meters wide, and weighs around 400 tons, making it 1.2 times larger and approximately twice as heavy as its ITER counterpart.

During the recent ministerial meeting of the Global Fusion Energy Group at the IAEA and the 30th Fusion Energy Conference held on October 14 in Chengdu, Shanghai Electric highlighted their accomplishments over the past two decades in fusion equipment development, which includes milestones such as EAST, CRAFT, BEST, HT 6M, and HL 1. These contributions have sparked significant global interest, underlining the crucial role of fusion energy in addressing climate change and future energy demands.

Over the years, Shanghai Electric has tackled essential technical challenges in fusion material research, hydrogen-boron fusion at megaamperes, and high-frequency deep penetration laser welding. Such advancements have enhanced fusion device performance under extreme conditions and provided replicable solutions, valuable experience, and a robust technological foundation for global fusion research.

In summary, Shanghai Electric's dedication to the CRAFT and ITER projects not only exemplifies the company's innovation and engineering capabilities but also highlights the global drive toward sustainable energy solutions. As these initiatives progress, they pave the way for a clean energy future, aligning with international efforts to combat climate challenges while meeting the world's growing energy needs. For more detailed information, visit Shanghai Electric.