Tech

Nuclear fusion reaches record 100 million degrees celsius

Published

8 months ago

April 2, 2024

Scientists in South Korea have achieved a groundbreaking feat in the pursuit of nuclear fusion energy, sustaining temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for a record-breaking duration.

The achievement, conducted at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) facility, marks a significant step forward in harnessing the power of nuclear fusion for clean energy production.

Nuclear fusion, which aims to replicate the process that powers the sun and stars, holds immense promise as a clean and virtually limitless energy source.

Unlike traditional nuclear fission reactors, fusion reactors produce energy by fusing together two atoms, releasing massive amounts of energy without generating planet-warming carbon emissions.

The recent milestone achieved by the KSTAR researchers involved sustaining plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for an impressive duration of 48 seconds.

This accomplishment surpasses the previous record of 30 seconds set in 2021, demonstrating the ability to maintain high-temperature plasma for extended periods, a crucial requirement for practical fusion energy production.

According to Si-Woo Yoon, director of the KSTAR Research Center at the Korean Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), the success in extending plasma duration was achieved through strategic modifications to the experimental process.

These adjustments included using tungsten instead of carbon in the diverters, which extract heat and impurities produced during the fusion reaction.

Plasma temperatures

The ultimate goal for the KSTAR project is to sustain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for 300 seconds by 2026.

This achievement is deemed critical for scaling up fusion operations and advancing towards commercial fusion energy production.

The advancements made at KSTAR are expected to contribute to the development of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, the world’s largest tokamak facility designed to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy.

While significant progress has been made in the field of nuclear fusion, challenges remain in commercializing this technology.

Despite recent breakthroughs, including the production of more energy than consumed in fusion reactions, scientists acknowledge that fusion energy is not yet ready for immediate deployment to address the climate crisis.

Leaders

Decentralisation is positioned to redefine internet infrastructure

Published

1 week ago

November 22, 2024

ticker NEWS

Depin technology is empowering users, allowing individuals to own, store, and curate their own data.

Depin is redefining how the internet operates by decentralising physical infrastructure, enabling users to own, store, and control their data.

This groundbreaking approach utilises decentralised nodes to enhance speed, security, and resilience while reducing dependence on centralised providers.

The technology offers a user-powered network that removes the vulnerabilities inherent in traditional centralised systems, addressing issues like outages and censorship.

By creating a decentralised ecosystem with over 13,500 nodes globally, it builds a more robust and accessible internet experience.

The concept borrows principles from blockchain and cryptocurrencies, enabling individuals to participate directly in network management.

CEO and co-founder of Influx Technologies, Daniel Keller, joins to discuss the transformative data technology.

News

US allocates $1.5 billion for GlobalFoundries chip expansion

US finalizes $1.5 billion chip subsidy for GlobalFoundries to boost production in New York and Vermont amid broader $52.7 billion initiative.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

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The U.S. Commerce Department has finalised a $1.5 billion subsidy for GlobalFoundries to expand semiconductor production in New York and Vermont.

This contract follows a preliminary award revealed in February, tied to GlobalFoundries’ commitment to invest $13 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade.

The expansion will enhance GlobalFoundries’ facility in Malta, New York, incorporating advanced technologies used in its Singapore and German sites. This upgrade will enable the production of chips primarily for the automotive industry.

New York state will contribute an additional $550 million for the project. GlobalFoundries also plans to establish a new fabrication plant in Malta to produce chips catering to automotive, AI, aerospace, and defence markets.

GlobalFoundries CEO Thomas Caulfield emphasised the importance of these chips for U.S. economic stability, supply chains, and national security. He stated the funding is essential for meeting customer needs for American-made chips.

This award is part of the broader “Chips and Science” program, which has allocated $52.7 billion for semiconductor projects. Recently, a $6.6 billion subsidy was awarded to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s U.S. operations.

Other significant allocations include $6.4 billion for Samsung in Texas, $8.5 billion for Intel, and $6.1 billion for Micron Technology.

On another note, GlobalFoundries faced a $500,000 penalty for unauthorised chip shipments to a Chinese affiliate, for which they expressed regret.

News

Instagram introduces feature to reset content recommendations

Instagram introduces feature to reset content recommendations, allowing users to refresh algorithmic feeds in just a few clicks.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

ticker NEWS

Instagram will soon allow users to reset their personalized content recommendations entirely.

This new feature is set to roll out globally, providing users a way to clear algorithmic content in Feeds, Explore, and Reels.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, emphasizes its commitment to creating safe experiences on the platform, particularly for teen users.

The aim is to help users, especially younger ones, adjust their Instagram experience to better reflect their changing interests.

Users can clear their recommendations in just a few taps, allowing the algorithm to start personalizing content anew based on future interactions.

Additionally, before resetting, users will have the option to review their current accounts and decide on unfollowing accounts, aiding in the formation of new recommendations.