In the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy, a new material has emerged as a potential game-changer: Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO). This superconducting marvel is now being harnessed by scientists to bring the dream of nuclear fusion closer to reality, promising a future of near-limitless, zero-carbon electricity.
But what is REBCO?
REBCO is a family of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) known for their ability to sustain strong magnetic fields and operate at relatively high temperatures compared to other superconductors. These materials are composed of rare-earth elements such as yttrium, lanthanum, samarium, neodymium, gadolinium, or europium which are known for their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties. This rare material is combined in a complex process with barium and copper to form a stable crystal structure that supports high-temperature superconductivity and strong magnetic fields and is processed to create tapes or wires which can be used in applications like superconducting magnets.
What Makes REBCO Special?
As mentioned REBCO is a type of HTS that becomes superconducting at around -200°C, the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This is significantly warmer compared to other superconductors, making it more practical for real-world applications. When cooled to these temperatures, REBCO exhibits near-zero electrical resistance and unique magnetic properties, which are valuable in applications like magnetic confinement fusion reactors and advanced particle accelerators.
What are the 5 Key uses of REBCO?
- Magnetic Confinement Fusion Reactors: REBCO superconductors are crucial in creating the strong magnetic fields needed for plasma confinement in fusion reactors, such as the ARC reactor.
- Superconducting Magnets: They are used in superconducting magnets for particle accelerators and MRI machines, where high magnetic fields are essential.
- Power Transmission: REBCO superconductors enable efficient electricity transmission with minimal energy loss, making them ideal for modern power grids.
- Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) Trains: These superconductors are used in maglev trains, providing frictionless and efficient transportation.
- High-Field Magnet Applications: REBCO is used in high-field magnet applications, including scientific research and industrial processes that require strong and stable magnetic fields.
The Ultimate Green Power Source: Fusion Energy
Nuclear fusion, the stellar process, is often celebrated as the ultimate solution for sustainable energy. By 2040, a 70%* reduction in fossil fuel is needed to meet climate targets, whilst global energy demands are predicted to grow by 20%*, so fusion offers the potential to produce immense amounts of electricity using plentiful elements like hydrogen, all while having a minimal environmental footprint. However, replicating the extreme conditions of fusion on Earth has been a formidable challenge.
This is where Tokamak Energy, as a world leader and pioneer in HTS transformative technology, are using HTS Magnets for fusion, in building their Tokamak.
What is a Tokamak?
The Tokamak was recognised in the 1960s as a device which could achieve fusion conditions by using magnetic fields to confine and control plasma, then in the 1980s it was discovered that a spherical design, could provide key benefits in terms of efficiency, plasma stability, and cost-effectiveness.
Image - Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor from 1989 - Wikipedia***
But how does it work and why a spherical design, this is explained in this video from Tokamak Energy:
How are the magnetic fields created?
These strong magnetic fields in the latest Tokamak design are created using HTS magnets, that generate fields more efficiently than conventional superconductors. Combining the efficiency of spherical tokamaks with the enhanced magnetic confinement of HTS magnets offers a cost-effective path to fusion energy.
Also, by creating stronger magnetic fields, this allows the devices to become more compact, so Tokamak Energy creates their fusion magnet coils using HTS tapes that have a very thin coating of this REBCO superconducting material.
The Future of Energy and the UK
The "Towards Fusion Energy Strategy 2023"** outlines the UK's ambitious plans to advance fusion energy research and development, which emphasizes the economic impact of investing in the fusion sector, with significant funding directed towards private companies and universities to foster innovation and skill development, this includes the flagship fusion program, the "Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)," which is progressing well towards its goal of developing and constructing a prototype fusion power plant by 2040 for which the government had pledged over £240 million up to 2024 for this first phase.
The development of REBCO and its application in nuclear fusion research represents a significant leap towards sustainable energy. If successful, it could lead to a future where clean, limitless energy is not just a dream but a reality.
Reference Sources:
* https://tokamakenergy.com/why-fusion/
** https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/towards-fusion-energy-the-uk-fusion-strategy
*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokamak_Fusion_Test_Reactor
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