Overview of the present progress and activities on the CFETR

TLDR

CFETR is the next step in China’s fusion energy roadmap, designed to bridge the gap between ITER and DEMO. This paper outlines CFETR’s two‑phase plan, aiming to bridge ITER and DEMO and to validate DEMO‑level performance above 1 GW. CFETR will operate in two phases: Phase I focuses on steady‑state operation and self‑sufficiency at up to 200 MW, while Phase II targets DEMO validation above 1 GW using advanced H‑mode physics, 7 T magnetic fields, high‑frequency ECRH, lower‑hybrid current drive, off‑axis negative‑ion neutral beam injection, and integrated modeling of key systems.

Abstract

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is the next device in the roadmap for the realization of fusion energy in China, which aims to bridge the gaps between the fusion experimental reactor ITER and the demonstration reactor (DEMO). CFETR will be operated in two phases. Steady-state operation and self-sufficiency will be the two key issues for Phase I with a modest fusion power of up to 200 MW. Phase II aims for DEMO validation with a fusion power over 1 GW. Advanced H-mode physics, high magnetic fields up to 7 T, high frequency electron cyclotron resonance heating and lower hybrid current drive together with off-axis negative-ion neutral beam injection will be developed for achieving steady-state advanced operation. The recent detailed design, research and development (R&D) activities including integrated modeling of operation scenarios, high field magnet, material, tritium plant, remote handling and future plans are introduced in this paper.