World’s largest operating tokamak begins commissioning with major 8-meter coils upgrade

Japan’s JT-60SA Tokamak, currently the world’s largest operating fusion reactor, has restarted commissioning after major upgrades. The project is a collaboration between Japan and Europe and aims to advance nuclear fusion technology for future clean energy production.
The reactor received new superconducting coils, upgraded heating systems, advanced diagnostics, and cryopumps to improve plasma control and stability. Scientists will now test all systems, including vacuum and superconducting magnet operations, while also using AI and high-performance computing for plasma simulations.
Large-scale plasma experiments are planned for late 2026, focusing on longer and more powerful fusion operations. More than 150 research proposals have already been submitted for upcoming experiments.
JT-60SA is also expected to support the development of the international ITER fusion project in France by helping researchers solve technical challenges before commercial fusion reactors are built.
Fusion energy is considered important because it can generate massive amounts of clean power with very low carbon emissions and less long-term radioactive waste compared to traditional nuclear power.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/largest-operating-tokamak-begins-commissioning