China’s new generation artificial sun HL-3 is accelerating toward a fusion energy breakthrough as nuclear fusion becomes a future growth frontier. The country’s 15th Five Year Plan has identified nuclear fusion as a key priority. HL-3 harnesses the same principles that power the sun. It releases vast amounts of energy through nuclear fusion for clean development. Currently, HL-3 stands as China’s largest and most advanced tokamak device, according to CNNC.
This fusion energy breakthrough requires handling ultra high temperatures and strong magnetic fields. Scientists must also keep hot plasma stable during experiments. Three key factors make this possible: plasma size, plasma current, and heating power. Song Zhongping, a Chinese technology expert, explained that HL-3’s design balances these factors. Consequently, the device moves closer to achieving stable fusion reactions.
The first wall serves as one of the most critical components for a fusion energy breakthrough. This wall sits directly facing the super hot plasma at the center. Temperatures there reach extreme levels with particles constantly striking the surface. Moreover, the wall uses three main metals: tungsten, copper, and stainless steel. It acts as close fitting armor for the fusion device. China has now achieved full independent capability in developing and manufacturing this first wall.
HL-3 has continued setting new records in recent years. In 2025, it achieved dual hundred million degree operation successfully. The ion temperature reached 120 million degrees Celsius. The electron temperature hit 160 million degrees Celsius. The fusion triple product reached the order of 1020, according to CNNC. Therefore, this fusion energy breakthrough moves closer to practical application.
Furthermore, the new generation HL-3 is scheduled to achieve its first fusion ignition experiment around 2027. Fusion ignition means moving from external heating to self sustaining plasma. Wang Zhengxiong, a professor at Dalian University of Technology, explained this process. External energy heats the plasma at the start of a reaction. The goal is for the plasma to generate enough internal heat to keep burning. This creates a self sustained process similar to the sun’s energy production.
Song noted that a fusion reaction must last long enough to sustain itself. Scientists often use around 1,000 seconds as a key benchmark. Achieving 100 million degrees for 1,000 seconds would simulate future reactor conditions. This marks a crucial step toward practical fusion energy. The planned timeline includes a pilot experimental reactor around 2035. A demonstration reactor would follow by about 2045. Eventually, commercial reactors would emerge after that.
In addition to HL-3, another artificial sun project EAST in Hefei is also advancing. In January 2025, EAST achieved a high quality burn lasting more than 1,000 seconds. It maintained a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius during that period. Both projects contribute to China’s overall fusion energy breakthrough strategy. The country remains committed to developing nuclear power in a proactive, safe manner. Controllable nuclear fusion has now been included in major national projects. The fusion energy breakthrough promises clean and potentially abundant energy for the future. Scientists continue working toward the 2027 ignition milestone with confidence.
