New findings from researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) say they can now build smaller and more powerful magnets, which can be used in the fight against climate change.

Benefits of the New Magnets

Scientists say the high-temperature superconducting magnets will channel power from the sun and generate electricity without the emission of greenhouse gasses. These specific magnets are useful in this situation since they do not heat up as quickly when compared to copper magnets. The superconducting magnets also produce a stronger electrical current and create a powerful magnetic field in the process.  These magnets can also fit into a fusion power device, known as a spherical tokamak, with ease. In fact, they are placed away from other parts of the device and can be repaired without taking apart the machine. Scientists involved say they want to duplicate the power of nuclear fusion, which powers the sun and stars, since it will create a large supply of clean power that can be used for electricity.  Researchers hope the magnets result in smaller tokamaks, too. One hopeful official from PPPL says the device is sensitive at its center but believes that scaling back the device could alleviate these concerns and lead to better performance overall. 

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