EAST tokamak sustains 1,066-second H-mode plasma, nearly tripling 403-second 2023 record

Institute of Plasma Physics, CAS/EAST Tokamak

EAST achieved a world record on January 20, 2025, sustaining high-confinement (H-mode) plasma for 1,066 seconds—nearly tripling its previous 2023 record of 403 seconds. The Institute of Plasma Physics announced that sustained operation at high efficiency for extended durations is essential for continuous power generation in future fusion plants.

• 1,066-second duration demonstrates sustained high-performance plasma operation.
• H-mode confinement maintained throughout the extended pulse.
• Superconducting magnets enabled long-duration operation.
• Result supports BEST program targeting burning plasma by 2030.