Researchers at MIT claim to have achieved a breakthrough in fusion energy technology using superconducting magnets.
In 2021, MIT scientists succeeded in generating high magnetic fields over 20 tesla using an experimental superconducting material called REBCO at around 20 Kelvin, making it practical for the first time.
Traditionally, superconductors require extremely low temperatures that are unrealistic for commercial uses. MIT’s breakthrough makes fusion power generation potentially viable.
The magnets designed by MIT removed insulation, greatly simplifying the design while maintaining stability and robustness during failure testing.
This new magnet technology could reduce the size and cost of fusion reactors by around 40 times compared to conventional designs.
MIT researchers believe their findings confirm the viability and practical application of their magnet-based fusion approach using superconducting materials like REBCO.
If successful, fusion power generation could provide virtually unlimited, low-carbon energy with only hydrogen as fuel and minimal nuclear waste.
Source: futurism
