China's BEST Project Aims for Nuclear Fusion Power Generation by 2030
China's Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) project is transitioning from research to engineering, targeting net fusion power gain and electricity generation by 2030. The project aims to replicate the sun's nuclear reactions for carbon-free electricity.
The Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 highlighted China's advancements, with over 1,500 participants discussing the integration of science and industry. China's fusion development is reportedly in a decisive phase, with significant investments of 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) expected this year.
The conference also announced plans for a 'Fusion City' in Hefei, integrating research and industry. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has set world records, and the fusion sector is seeing increased capital flows, with a venture capital fund of 1 billion yuan initiated to support fusion technologies.
