The ITER nuclear fusion project, a global endeavour involving over 30 countries, has reached a significant milestone by completing the world’s most powerful magnet, essential for confining plasma in the quest to generate clean energy.
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), supported by key global players including the US, China, Japan, Russia, and the European Union, is now ready to assemble this critical component, according to a report by Reuters.
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The central solenoid, the final piece of ITER’s magnetic system, has been finished and tested by the US, with assembly currently in progress.
ITER director general Pietro Barabaschi said: “It is like the bottle in a bottle of wine: of course, the wine is maybe more important than the bottle, but you need the bottle in order to put the wine inside.”
Despite the magnet’s original completion date set for 2021, the project faced significant delays.
Charles Seife, a professor at New York University who specialises in nuclear fusion, was quoted by the news agency as saying: “To be behind schedule by four years after ten years of effort shows just how troubled this project is.”
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By GlobalDataHowever, Barabaschi has declared the “crisis” over, stating that construction is moving at the fastest pace in ITER’s history, with the project’s start-up phase scheduled for 2033.
Barabaschi also highlighted the project’s ability to maintain cooperation among participating countries despite geopolitical tensions.
“They have a very, very strong cohesion of objectives and for the time being I see no sign of a withdrawal from anyone,” Barabaschi added.
The investment in fusion technology is on the rise, with many initiatives and private start-ups claiming the potential to build commercial fusion reactors within the next decade.
Barabaschi expressed scepticism yet support for these ventures, questioning the cost-effectiveness of achieving fusion soon. “Frankly speaking, it will take more time,” he added.
In related news, US based, Type One Energy has published a detailed physics basis for a practical fusion pilot power plant, the Infinity Two stellarator, being developed for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
This design focuses on realistic plasma performance, construction, and economic viability, drawing on experience from actual power plant operations.
