Latest news with #EAST
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China's Next-Gen Fusion Reactor Could Achieve First Plasma in Just 2 Years
China is racing forward in its effort to pave the way in fusion energy science, and state-sponsored media reported earlier this week that one of the country's next-gen reactors is now under construction. The Burning Plasma Experiment Superconducting Tokamak, or BEST, is an intermediary reactor between China's first-generation reactor and the Chinese Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR)—a fusion plant demonstrator. BEST is planned to go online in 2027, and aims for net energy gain similar to the SPARC reactor currently under construction by Commonwealth Fusion Systems in the U.S. The promise of fusion energy is hard to overstate. With the ability to leverage the energy-producing physics that powers our Sun, humanity could tap into a near-limitless wealth of carbon-free energy, forever ending our dependence on the fossil fuels that are quickly poisoning the planet. Of course, such immense promise comes with a few caveats, chief among them being that creating a fusion reaction and sustaining that reaction for net energy output is one of the hardest engineering challenges humans have ever attempted to solve. The challenge is so immense that 35 countries (including the U.S., China, Russia, and several countries in the European Union) have joined forces to build International Thermonuclear Experiment Reactor (ITER)—a magnetic confinement tokamak (a.k.a. donut-shaped) reactor that hopes to see first plasma by 2035—in southern France. While that's the world's best foot forward when it comes to fusion research, individual countries are also pursuing their own thermonuclear energy goals. And none are doubling down harder than China. Xinhua, a state-sponsored media outlet, reports that country's Burning Plasma Experiment Superconducting Tokamak, or BEST, is now in its final assembly in Hefei, China. This reactor builds on the work of China's first-generation tokamak, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which is also located at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science. According to South China Morning Post, another state-sponsored media outlet, the BEST reactor—which plans to go online in just two years—will be an intermediary step between EAST and the Chinese Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR), the latter of which is a large-scale demonstrator for fusion power plants. From assembly to first plasma in just two years is remarkably fast, but Song Yuntao—the project's chief engineer from the Institute of Plasma Physics—claim that this fits with China's overall aggressive timeline for achieving utility-scale fusion. 'We have fully mastered the core technologies, both scientifically and technically,' Yuntao told the South China Morning Post. And he isn't bluffing—China is currently developing several fusion projects across the country. For instance, IEEE Spectrum notes that the country is building an x-shaped facility in Sichuan that resembles the U.S. National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory—the first lab to achieve fusion ignition (net energy output) back in 2022. They're also building a 40-hectare complex for fusion research, along with a fusion-fission hybrid power plant in central China. As IEEE Spectrum notes, fusion is the perfect technology for fulfilling President Xi Jinping's 'Great Rejuvenation' agenda, which focuses on securing domestic energy, reducing emissions, and leading the world in advanced technologies. The U.S., on the other hand, is taking another approach by largely letting private industry invest in fusion, which is why the South China Morning Post compares China's BEST reactor with the reactor built by Commonwealth Fusion Systems—a spinoff from MIT. The company's reactor, SPARC, also aims to demonstrate net output by 2027. The oft-quoted phrase related to fusion development is that 'it's 30 years away—and it always will be.' However, with a technological race heating up between the U.S. and China, that phrase might soon need revising. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
The National
23-04-2025
- The National
See inside Crieff Hydro in Scotland after major revamp
The revamp of Crieff Hydro has seen the creation of six new bars and restaurants as well as a total rethink of the menus on offer at existing spots. The owners hope that by positioning the hotel as one of the "most exciting" culinary locations in Scotland, it can meet the needs of younger visitors. See inside Crieff Hydro after Scottish hotel given massive revamp Crieff Hydro's "signature" restaurant - EAST is described as an Asian-inspired dining spot (Image: Crieff Hydro) The new food and drink venues on offer at the Crieff Hydro in Scotland range from Asian restaurants serving small plates to elegant and relaxed cocktail bars. The hotel's signature restaurant is EAST, an Asian-inspired dining spot offering "sizzling" sharers and a menu that is perfect for mixing and matching. Dishes on offer here include Javanese Sticky Chicken with a Gooey Sweet Sauce, Korean Fried Chicken, Spicy Gochujang Sauce, Slow Cooked Cambodian Spiced Lamb Shoulder with a Masala Sauce and a Hong Kong-Style Whole Pan-fried Seabass. The Ballroom Bar (Image: Crieff Hydro) The Ballroom Bar, which is set in a "totally remimagined" space, is said to be a nod to the hotel's heritage while still offering a "relaxed, elegant and contemporary experience." For some "feel-good" food, guests can check out The Brasserie, where rustic, bistro classics await, including burgers, fries and pies. The Winter Garden (Image: Crieff Hydro) The Winter Garden, another new location at the lodging, retains all the elements of a traditional Victorian Winter Garden, making it an "airy" and "elegant" space Guests can enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning, as well as light lunches and drinks in the evening. The Winter Garden, looking away from the greenhouse (Image: Crieff Hydro) A wee brew or two can also be enjoyed at Tea at Loggia, a lovely spot that draws on Scotland's traditional larder. Dishes here include Gazpacho Soup with a Chorizo Bon Bon, Cullen Skink Quiche and Mini Venison Cottage Pie. Dishes available at Loggia include Chorizo Bon Bon (Image: Crieff Hydro) Finally, there is The Hermitage, a spot which has been described as a "speakeasy-style, decadent, low-lit, grown-up hideaway." It is said to blend mixology with a "bit of mischief," thanks to its curious cocktails, non-alcoholic creations, and rare whiskies, including six exclusive Diageo bottlings locked behind a private keep-safe. Recommended Reading: Discussing the changes, Stephen Leckie, CEO of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said this is a "significant" chapter in the hotel's 157-year-long history. He added: "For us, investment large and small is always about creating something better for our guests and for our team here. "This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation, I believe, will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland."
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside new £5m restaurants and bars at iconic Scots family hotel, including a hidden speakeasy
Interesting artefacts from the archive have been used in the design. AN ICONIC family hotel has had a massive £5m makeover. Now bosses say the big budget transformation will really put the destination 'on the map' for food and drink in Scotland. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bosses wanted to bring the hotel up to date for a new generation 5 The Winter Garden is an airy Victorian heritage space 5 EAST is a new Asian small plates concept And guests can now discover a hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase as part of the major revamp. Crieff Hydro has completed its bumper dining refurb project, which sees the creation of six new bars and restaurants and refreshed menus for its existing eating spots. New venues include EAST, an Asian small plates concept, The Ballroom Bar, an elegant day-to-night bar, and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space which has been modernised and offers all-day dining. A new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with views over Strathearn Valley, Loggia has also been introduced. Menus across all the new restaurants focus on the very best of Scottish produce, with Crieff Hydro's team of chefs working with the long-standing suppliers to bring as much local and regional food to the heart of the menus. The Ballroom Bar has an impressive oak stained, glass and metal work gantry while a bookcase wall has a hidden door leading to an adults-only speakeasy bar - a completely new concept for the hotel. And inspiration from some of the new venue designs came from the Crieff Hydro archives, with curios dotted around the new spaces, including historical documents, such as one penny payment stamps, wax seals and old share certificates. Richard and Charlie Leckie - the sixth generation of the family to be involved at Crieff Hydro - worked alongside Fiona Leckie, the longstanding Head of Interiors, to complete the massive project. Stephen Leckie, CEO Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: "This is our single biggest project in decades and opens another significant chapter in Crieff Hydro's 157-year history. "For us, investment large and small is always about creating something better for our guests and for our team here. This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation I believe will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland. W Edinburgh Crowned Scotland's Hotel of the Year 2025 "We're incredibly excited to share these new spaces with our loyal guests and those discovering Crieff Hydro for the first time and we're confident that the variety and style of the new venues will broaden our appeal and create even more memorable experiences for guests staying or dining with us. "It's fitting that as we look to fulfil the needs of a new generation of Crieff Hydro customers, that this project has been driven by the next generation of my own family. "We know that our guests are looking for unique experiences, not just any standard hotel restaurant and bar. As an independent business we have more freedom and flexibility to create something really unique.' Meanwhile, Charlie Leckie, Associate Director Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said refurbishing the restaurants and bars was a chance to bring the hotel right up to date. He added: "Like many of our guests, we enjoy the variety of interesting places to eat and drink around Scotland or further afield. So, we wanted to bring some of the best of that to Crieff Hydro. "We really believe that a wide choice of food and drink is such an important part of a guest's experience and shouldn't just be 'ok' – it needs to be right up there with what people expect of their favourite West End eateries whether that's in Edinburgh, Glasgow or even London. "So, we've tried to take the best of all that but deliver it in a way that is uniquely Crieff Hydro and fits in with all the history and tradition we're both so proud of.' 5 Loggia is an afternoon tea destination with stunning views
Asia Times
17-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Trade war jeopardizes China's fusion energy drive
As the US and China exchange trade war salvos, concerns are rising that the decoupling could soon extend to the two sides' fruitful fusion energy cooperation. In April, Trump imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and ordered a probe into whether American firms are overly reliant on China's semiconductors, medical equipment and critical metals. He also tightened export control rules to prevent China from obtaining Nvidia's and AMD's graphic processing units for artificial intelligence development. Despite all this, the US has remained one of the seven contributors to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which was established in southern France in 2007. A handheld plasma device made in China. Photo: Asia Times / Jeff Pao The ITER currently provides the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) with industry standards and contracts, while French firms, including Framatome, offer China fusion technologies. 'At the moment, China is really doubling down on expanding their efforts,' Tone Langengen, a senior policy advisor for climate and energy policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, said in a panel discussion at the Fusion Fest event organized by The Economist in London on April 14. 'This could become another example like the solar or electric vehicle industry, where we basically just let one country run ahead, and we end up situating the whole supply chain and all the power that comes with it in a single country. I think this dynamic could be even more significant with fusion than it was with solar,' she said. 'China has been sending people out, taking back a lot of information, and using their ability to provide a lot of finance to work very effectively and drive through barriers we set for ourselves around regulation and planning. 'It is important now for other countries to wake up to the fact that there is a real geopolitical race underway. That's not just about the technology itself. It could have significant implications for the future power and geopolitics. This is the moment for the rest of us to increase collaboration.' China joined ITER in 2003 with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) as a testbed for ITER technologies. A Tokamak is a donut-shaped vessel designed to confine a superheated plasma using magnetic fields. Adopting a so-called 'whole-of-nation' approach, China has significantly boosted its investment in fusion energy since 2022 as the previous Biden administration curbed the country's access to the chips, AI and quantum computing sectors. Last year, the US invested about US$1.35 billion in the fusion sector while China poured in about $1.3 billion, according to the Fusion Energy Base, an industry website. As of 2024, the US has invested $5.63 billion in the sector, compared to China's $2.49 billion. They were followed by Canada ($321 million) and the United Kingdom ($200 million). In January 2025, the EAST reactor successfully maintained a steady-state, high-confinement plasma for 1,066 seconds. In February, France's WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak), formerly known as Tore Supra, achieved a record-breaking 1,337 seconds. Laban Coblentz, head of communications of ITER. Photo: Asia Times /Jeff Pao 'As an American, I want my country to win the [fusion energy] race. But ultimately, we are all going to build plants globally,' said Laban Coblentz, head of communications of ITER. 'As much as we have been bashing China, what I would really like to see people doing is emulating China. 'China is actively constructing 26 [nuclear plants] with another 22 in the pipeline. They are building it on schedule with a strong safety program. How did they do that? I had no idea.' On a recent trip to Beijing, Coblentz discovered that China embedded about 140 French companies in its supply chain to construct its Hualong Two, a third-generation pressurized water nuclear fission reactor. 'I know some of my friends go to the US Congress and say: If we don't go faster, China is going to win the war on fusion. That's fine,' he said. 'But if there is this reputation: China steals other people's intellectual property, [we should] learn from what they are doing. They're doing some really smart things. And fusion is going to need to replicate some of those things intelligently if we want this to be the generational change for our kids. 'The Hualong Two and the Hualong One look a lot like a European pressurized water reactor, but [are] largely indigenous. So rather than worry about China stealing or any of that, steal back! Imitation is a very good thing to look at how they are doing and what they're doing well, and emulate that.' In addition to getting resources from ITER and French companies, China has also built a local talent pool by sending students to the US to study fusion technologies. Jin Zhang, an assistant professor in Microwave Electronics, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London. Photo: Asia Times /Jeff Pao 'In China, we've got many PhD students, and we've got scientists coming back from the USA to China to work on fusion energy projects in Energy Singularity in Shanghai,' Jin Zhang, an assistant professor in Microwave Electronics, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, told Asia Times in an interview. 'They have built the first high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tokamak in the world. Things are developing really fast in China.' Zhang, linked to the EAST project in Hefei, said if the US forbids Chinese students to study there, China's fusion energy development progress will slow and be negatively impacted. He hopes the US won't move to curb China's fusion energy sector, as any technological breakthroughs in China will benefit the whole world. 'Fusion is a shared goal for all humanity. The more we collaborate with each other, the sooner that will happen,' he added. In 1986, the European Union (Euratom), Japan, the Soviet Union and the US agreed to jointly pursue the design for a large international fusion facility, ITER. Conceptual design work began in 1988 and the final design was approved by the members in 2001. Construction of the ITER reactor started in 2013 with an initial budget of 6 billion euros ($6.84 billion). In 2021, ITER said the total cost of the reactor would be about 22 billion euros. The US Department of Energy (DOE) estimated that the overall cost of ITER would reach $65 billion by 2039, when the facility can achieve a fusion reaction involving deuterium-tritium fuel. The DOE said the US contributed $2.9 billion to ITER between 2007 and 2023, mainly in research, hardware design and manufacturing for 12 ITER systems. The European Union will contribute 45.6% of ITER's total costs, while the remaining six member countries (China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US) will each contribute 9.1%. Read: China aims for world's first fusion-fission reactor by 2031 Read: China's Jiangxi to build a fusion-fission reactor
Forbes
13-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
Make Work Fair: 3 Strategies to Combat Meritocracy Myths
Curious black girl holding magnifier over grey background, panorama with copy space As humans, we are wired for fairness. We need fairness to survive in groups and build trust and reciprocity as a social species. This is why young children understand the importance of fairness, commonly citing 'this is not fair' in protest for new rules or unpopular demands. In my interview with Siri Chilazi, senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School and co-author of the new book Make Work Fair, they note, "There's so much research around the world that shows that fairness is a fundamental value. It's an extremely widely shared human value, and kids as young as four or five, six years old develop a very keen sense of what's fair and what's not, and also have very strong reactions to perceived unfairness." Our sense of disgust is ignited when we feel unfairness. There is a real cost to this disgust in the workplace, where people are significantly less likely to stay in deeply unfair organizations. Fairness, or the lack thereof, can present itself in everyday situations like meetings, project team decisions or more substantial business decisions. Workplace fairness has vast differences in perception by identity groups. According to Joan C. Williams' Bias Interruptors data, there is a significant difference (nearly 30%) in people's beliefs that the workplace is fair for white men (the dominant group) versus other historically marginalized groups (women, people of color) across industries. Yet, there is this pervasive undercurrent that the workplace is built on meritocracy, thus fair. Chilazi shares, 'The world is not a meritocracy where the best people rise to the top purely based on their superior capabilities. It turns out that having someone see and recognize your potential, and then having a system in place for nurturing it, is a big piece of the puzzle. The world has never been a meritocracy.' To combat this myth of meritocracy, and to ensure workplace fairness, Chilazi recommends: 'Perceptions of fairness is how we do things around here, what people say and do, what is expected and accepted at the organization. It's not about intentions, as teams rarely live up to virtuous intentions 100% of the time. It is about actual behavior,' Chilazi said. "Our behaviors and our decisions are to a very great extent influenced by the systems that surround us, but we can't sort of fundamentally expect to debias human brains.' Rarely than focusing on individual behavior shifts to be less biased, which has proven to be ineffective, Chilazi's research recommends focusing on debiasing the systems instead to prevent inevitable human bias. For example, she offers the EAST framework for effective performance review processes. If you want performance reviews to be more fair, consider: To debias performance reviews, start by compiling data on the current perceptions of fairness. Leaders can track review length, word frequencies or performance ratings. Chilazi offers up one fairness tweak—ask an open-ended advice question like, 'What is one thing that would make the employee more effective?' to ensure that their performance review is closely tied to observable behaviors rather than potential biases. 'Middle managers have emerged as linchpins in the creation of a healthy organizational culture. They have been found to be up to six times more relevant in predicting employee misconduct than company-wide factors, particularly when managers were further removed from headquarters. Middle managers might be among the most important culture carriers in an organization as employees see them on a regular basis and learn from them about which behaviors are acceptable and which ones are not,' Chilazi found. Their studies showed in different settings, in different industries, and at different times, that people responded to people in positions of power or of greater social influence much more so than everyday people. Fairness is closely tied to the relationship you have with your direct manager. If you do not feel your manager is fair, you are unlikely to rate the workplace culture as fair. While workplace fairness might feel elusive, it is possible. It is about baking fairness into the culture. "This definition of culture is 'how we do things around here,'" said Chilazi. "So it's very behavioral because it's about doing right at the end of the day, people might have any beliefs and values internally. But the thing that you can observe about them is what they say and do externally." Chilazi refers to these as 'cultural artifacts.' This might be the office wall coverings, common language, stories shared, jokes, dress code or the occasions celebrated. According to Chilazi, all of these are manifestations of our shared identity as employees of an organization and can catalyze or inhibit our success at work. When fairness as a behavior is ritualized as a part of the culture, positive peer pressure sets in, and people generally adhere to the virtue of fairness. It starts with ensuring that systems are fair, managers understand their roles and fairness is baked into the culture.
