Shanghai Electric announced significant developments on November 1, 2025, in the realm of controlled nuclear fusion, highlighting its role in the global projects CRAFT and ITER. The company reported the delivery of the world”s largest toroidal field coil casing and the successful arrival of the cryostat for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) site in France. These achievements underscore the technological capabilities of Chinese firms in fostering international collaboration in fusion energy.
As a leader in high-end equipment manufacturing in China, Shanghai Electric is dedicated to advancing fusion energy through technological innovation and international partnerships. “We will continue to leverage our strengths in high-performance manufacturing and engineering integration to support significant global scientific projects like ITER, helping humanity achieve the ultimate goal of clean energy,” stated Wu Lei, president of Shanghai Electric Group.
These recent technological deliveries not only mark substantial progress for China in producing essential fusion components but also reinforce the country”s role in the global supply chain for fusion research. In October, the cryostat, collaboratively manufactured by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group and the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), arrived by sea at the French port of Marseille. From there, it was carefully transported over 70 kilometers to the ITER facilities in Cadarache.
As one of the seven primary members of the ITER project, China collaborates with international partners to advance fusion technology from laboratory settings to commercial applications. The joint team from Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group overcame stringent site constraints related to height, weight, and width, completing manufacturing in just 11 months. They achieved millimeter-level precision in shaping large contoured surfaces, along with distortion-free assembly and welding of large-diameter casings and flanges. The first helium leak test on a massive vessel helped establish international standards for millimeter-level distortion control and high vacuum sealing at 10-4 mbar.
ITER, the world”s largest and most influential international scientific mega-project, unites efforts from over 30 countries, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and China. The initiative aims to achieve large-scale fusion reactions and progress towards stable and controllable energy release.
Meanwhile, the world”s largest toroidal field coil casing, developed collaboratively by Shanghai Electric and ASIPP, was delivered to the Comprehensive Research Center for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in Hefei. Made entirely from austenitic stainless steel, it stands 21 meters tall and 12 meters wide, weighing approximately 400 tons. This component is more than 1.2 times larger and about double the weight of its ITER counterpart.
During the ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Forum and the 30th Fusion Energy Conference held on October 14 in Chengdu, Shanghai Electric highlighted two decades of accomplishments in fusion equipment, including EAST, CRAFT, BEST, HT 6M, and HL 1. Their industry-leading system solutions sparked significant global interest and emphasized fusion”s role in addressing climate change and future energy demands.
Over the years, Shanghai Electric has tackled critical technical challenges in fusion material research, hydrogen-boron fusion at megaamperes, and high-frequency deep penetration laser welding. These advancements have improved the performance of fusion devices under extreme conditions and provided replicable solutions and valuable experiences, establishing a robust technological foundation for global fusion research.
For further information, visit Shanghai Electric.
