Controlled thermonuclear fusion is on the European Strategic Energy
Technology Plan roadmap (also known as SET Plan) as a technology which
offers the prospect of an intrinsically safe, virtually inexhaustible
energy source. From a global perspective, there is a need for massive
base load electricity production. Can fusion be developed to become
economically competitive? When will fusion be contributing to electricity
production? The next step in the development of a fusion reactor is
the ITER experiment under construction at Cadarache France. ITER is
an international collaboration between the EU, Japan, USA, Russian
Federation, China, South Korea and India. The International ITER
Agreement was signed in October 2006. The mission is as follows:
Start operation 2018.
Demonstrate capability of steady state fusion power production.
Optimise burning plasma confinement under reactor conditions.
Have dimensions comparable to a power station and produce about
500 MW of fusion power (10x more power than needed to run it).
Demonstrate or develop new technologies and materials required for
fusion power stations.
The initial phase of the project has included a design review and an
update of the scope, schedule and cost which takes consideration of
new developments and recent progress in fusion research. Procurement is
underway for long leadtime components.