China’s “Artificial Sun” BEST Enters Final Assembly Phase with Near 100% Localization

On December 3, CCTV reported that China’s compact fusion device “Artificial Sun” BEST, located in Hefei, has officially entered the final assembly phase. The device currently boasts a 93.4% domestic component rate, with plans to reach nearly 100% during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Once completed, BEST will verify its long-pulse steady-state operation capability and demonstrate fusion power generation, potentially lighting the first lamp with nuclear fusion energy by 2030. The device employs superconducting magnets to form a “magnetic cage” and fuel pellets that can withstand temperatures up to 1,620°C, with over 660 world-first devices integrated.

On October 1, the project achieved a critical milestone as the Dewar base was successfully hoisted, marking the transition to main unit assembly. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the significance of this progress, noting that BEST is expected to be completed by 2027 and could become the world’s first operational fusion power generator.