KSTAR launches 2024 plasma experiments to refine fusion reactor technologies

This year's program prioritizes creating high-performance plasma confinement scenarios under extreme conditions, including high temperature, density, and current. Researchers are working to suppress plasma instabilities and develop operational strategies essential for fusion demonstration reactors.

Key research initiatives include tackling tungsten impurity control, a pressing challenge in reactor environments. Tungsten, renowned for its superior heat resistance, is widely used as a reactor wall material. However, its impurities can hinder plasma performance and stability. KFE is intensifying efforts to address this issue through advanced performance testing of tungsten divertors and detailed studies of reactor wall interactions.

The experiments will investigate several approaches to mitigating tungsten-related challenges, including impurity suppression techniques, magnetic field management for impurity screening, and strategies to limit impurity buildup using sophisticated heating systems.

KSTAR, known as Korea's superconducting tokamak, will also engage in over 40 international collaborative experiments aimed at addressing critical fusion energy challenges. Partners include research teams from the U.S. DIII-D and France's WEST devices, alongside collaborators from Japan and China. Future partnerships are set to expand to additional countries, including the UK and the Czech Republic.

Dr. Yong Un Nam, Director of the KSTAR Research Center at KFE, emphasized the institution's global role in fusion research, stating, "KSTAR provides a stable research environment for scientists in Korea and around the world, contributing to solving difficult challenges in fusion energy." He added, "We are committed to enhancing our understanding of the tungsten divertor environment and securing superior plasma operation technologies through this year's experiments."

KFE President Dr. Yeongkook OH highlighted the importance of the 2024 initiatives, saying, "We aim to further enhance KSTAR's capabilities and strengthen international collaborations to advance next-generation fusion scenarios essential for the commercialization of fusion energy."

The plasma experiments are scheduled to run through February 2025.