The National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), the flagship fusion facility at PPPL, received a formal dedication from then-U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. The facility has twice the heating power and magnetic field strength of its predecessor. “The vastly expanded capabilities of this spherical tokamak will enable us to explore new physics regimes and tackle the major engineering problems for fusion energy,” Moniz said.

Moniz toured the device, which is undergoing repairs, and unveiled a plaque, in the NSTX-U control room, dedicated to the workers who have made NSTX-U a reality. Attending the ceremony were U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12), and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber.

The upgrade will allow scientists around the world to explore how to create fusion reactions. The facility is a collaboration of researchers representing almost 60 institutions from across the United States, England, Europe, Asia, Russia, and Central America.