Nuclear fusion technology brings good news again. On January 2nd, the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced a new breakthrough in the "Artificial Sun" EAST device—experimental confirmation of the existence of the tokamak density free region, and the discovery of a key method to break through the density limit, opening new ideas for high-density operation of magnetic confinement fusion. This achievement was published in *Science Advances*, marking another important step forward in domestic nuclear fusion technology.

Such progress not only promotes academic breakthroughs but also involves a complete industrial chain. From superconducting materials to core components and system integration, every link involves deep participation from domestic enterprises.

**Superconducting Materials Are Fundamental**

Superconducting magnet systems are the heart of nuclear fusion devices, accounting for about 28% of costs. Western Superconducting, as a leading domestic low-temperature superconductor wire manufacturer, supplies superconducting materials for mainstream devices like EAST and ITER, and is the only certified superconducting supplier for the ITER project in China—such technological monopoly cannot be established in just a year or two.

On the high-temperature superconductor tape side, Dongbu Superconducting under Yongding Co., Ltd., is a core supplier providing second-generation high-temperature superconducting tapes for multiple fusion devices. These products can adapt to the strong magnetic field environment of fusion reactors, with ITER-related orders exceeding 4 billion yuan already locked in for 2025. Lianchuang Optoelectronics, Beili Electric’s subsidiaries Beijing Yingna Superconducting and Baopang Co., Ltd., are also actively布局, with Baopang becoming an exclusive ITER-certified supplier, with orders exceeding 500 million yuan in the CFETR project.

**Core Components Manufacturing Is Key**

The divertor is one of the most demanding components in fusion devices, capable of withstanding temperatures over 1 million degrees Celsius. Antai Technology is the only company globally capable of mass-producing full-tungsten composite divertors, exclusively supplying devices like EAST and ITER. Divertors account for about 17% of the value in the entire fusion device—highlighting their importance. Guoguang Electric, as the only domestic enterprise with complete divertor development capabilities, has won the order for the blanket system of the CFETR project.

The manufacturing precision of vacuum chambers is also high. Hechuan Intelligent is a leading vacuum chamber manufacturer, responsible for the vacuum chamber modules of the BEST project, with micron-level processing accuracy reaching international advanced levels. Vacuum chambers account for about 8% of device costs. Jiuli Special Materials supplies nuclear-grade stainless steel pipes for key components like PF conductors for ITER, with a market share exceeding 60%. China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach) Heavy Equipment is responsible for large components such as heavy forgings and pressure vessels.

**System Integration Requires Industry Leaders**

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), as the general contractor for fusion engineering, has undertaken core projects such as the ITER main machine installation and the civil engineering of CFETR. Its state-owned enterprise background enhances resource integration capabilities and order certainty. Dongfang Electric covers the entire chain from magnets, vacuum chambers, to power systems, providing core equipment for devices like the Circular Tokamak No. 3. Shanghai Electric was once the supplier of the world's first fully high-temperature superconducting tokamak main machine, participated in ITER vacuum chamber manufacturing, and possesses the full chain capability of "magnet + vacuum chamber + divertor."

**Power Supply and Control Cannot Be Overlooked**

The power supply system accounts for about 8% of the cost of fusion devices. Yingjie Electric is a core supplier of specialized power supplies, providing magnetic field power and heating power systems for EAST, Circular Tokamak No. 3, and other devices. Ningbo Xinrong, under Wangzi New Materials, supplies core components such as pulse capacitors, with orders already delivered for the BEST device. Xinfengguang provides plasma control power supplies for EAST’s vertical displacement rapid control system, with technology verified through actual operation.

**Cryogenic Cooling Is Essential**

Superconducting magnets need to operate in environments close to absolute zero. Snowman Co., Ltd.’s megawatt-level helium compressors can achieve cooling at -271°C, providing low-temperature systems for EAST, Circular Tokamak No. 3, and other devices. China Nuclear Technology as a leader in nuclear-grade valves supplies cooling system valves for fusion devices, with products certified by ITER and a market share exceeding 70%. Hangyang Co., Ltd. offers integrated low-temperature solutions, and Zhejiang Fuchuang’s liquid metal main pumps are used in circulating cooling systems.

**Capital Deployment**

China Nuclear Power has invested in China Fusion Energy Co., Ltd. (holding 7.1%), as a platform under China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), participating in fusion project R&D and demonstration operations. Zhejiang Energy Power also holds stakes in fusion demonstration projects, promoting the commercialization exploration of fusion energy in the Yangtze River Delta region. Aerospace Chuangguang supplies divertor systems and vacuum chamber bellows, with qualifications for nuclear-grade equipment manufacturing.

From materials to components, from systems to integration, the entire industry chain has begun to take shape. As nuclear fusion moves from laboratory experiments toward commercial demonstration, these companies are playing key roles.