China's "Kuafu" Fusion Facility Achieves World-Leading Breakthrough in LHCD Technology
June 18, Hefei — The Institute of Plasma Physics at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (CASHIPS) announced a major advancement in its "Kuafu" mega-project — the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT). The facility's Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) system has successfully passed expert evaluation, achieving 100% domestic localization with performance parameters rivaling global leaders.
As China's scientific infrastructure rapidly expands, the ¥6 billion Kuafu facility represents a cornerstone of the nation's fusion energy ambitions. Unlike its mythical namesake chasing the sun, this modern "Kuafu" aims to recreate solar fusion on Earth — offering limitless clean energy through:
Scheduled for completion by late 2025, Kuafu will serve as China's primary platform for:
☀️ Simulating solar fusion conditions
🔧 Testing ITER and CFETR reactor components
🧪 Solving key plasma confinement challenges
The LHCD system — a critical CRAFT subsystem — has overcome three fundamental challenges:
Performance Milestones:
✅ 4.6GHz center frequency
✅ 4MW total output power
✅ 100+ second pulse duration
Through domestic R&D partnerships, China has now mastered production of:
Among CRAFT's 19 specialized subsystems, the LHCD breakthrough holds particular significance for:
Fusion Science:
Industrial Spin-offs:
📡 Telecom: Enhanced microwave signal processing
🏥 Healthcare: Novel medical imaging technologies
🔋 Energy: Advanced plasma heating techniques
"This isn't just about fusion," remarked Project Chief Engineer Dr. Zhang Wei. "The 40GHz components we've developed could revolutionize 6G communications and cancer radiotherapy alike."
With 80% of Kuafu's systems now integrated, China is poised to:
As CASHIPS Director Dr. Song Yuntao observed: "Where the myth spoke of chasing sunlight, we now focus on bottling starlight — with Kuafu lighting the way to China's fusion-powered future."
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