Joint European Torus experiments end on a 69 megajoules high
The Joint European Torus (JET) has set a world record in energy output as it finishes its final deuterium-tritium experiments. Meanwhile, the ITER facility is not expected to start deuterium-tritium operations until 2035.
JET sets world record in energy output
The Joint European Torus (JET) has concluded its final deuterium-tritium experiments with a bang, achieving a world record in energy output. JET started its operations in 1983 and has now transitioned into repurposing and decommissioning.
During its last experiments, JET produced high fusion power for five seconds, setting a groundbreaking record of 69 megajoules using only 0.2 milligrams of fuel. The facility had previously set a record in 2021 by producing 59 megajoules during a five-second pulse.
JET was a tokamak, which is a fusion machine that uses magnetic fields to contain plasma in the shape of a doughnut. It was one of the largest and most powerful fusion machines in the world.
ITER's delayed deuterium-tritium operations
The ITER facility, on the other hand, is facing delays in starting its deuterium-tritium operations. ITER is expected to produce its first plasma in 2025, based on the original schedule from 2016. However, the start of deuterium-tritium operations is now projected for 2035.
JET's decommissioning process is already underway, as the time to consider keeping it operational until ITER came online has passed. The facility's carbon inner wall was replaced with a ITER Like Wall (ILW), made of beryllium and tungsten, to align JET's configuration with ITER's.
Despite the delay, the research carried out at JET will benefit other fusion projects, including the UK's STEP prototype powerplant and Europe's demonstration powerplant, DEMO.
