What is the purpose of ITER?
ITER (initially the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, iter meaning “the way” or “the path” in Latin) is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject aimed at replicating the fusion processes of the Sun to create energy on the Earth.
Where is the ITER project located?
southern France
We invite you to explore the ITER website for more information on the science of ITER, the ITER international collaboration and the large-scale building project that is underway in Saint Paul-lez-Durance, southern France.
Will ITER be successful?
When completed, ITER will theoretically produce 10 times as much energy as it needs to run. It will be a “massive, safe, clean, and predictable energy source for hundreds of thousands of years,” said Bigot. “If we succeed – and we will – the breakthrough will be so large.”
What are the benefits of nuclear fusion?
The potential advantages of nuclear fusion energy are manifold, as it represents a long-term, sustainable, economic and safe energy source for electricity generation. Fuel is inexpensive and abundant in nature, while the amount of long-lived radioactive waste and greenhouse gases produced through fusion are minimal.
Is ITER operational?
ITER will begin operations with low-power hydrogen reactions in 2025. But from 2035, it will run on a 50:50 mix of deuterium and tritium.
Why is ITER in France?
In addition to contributing to the ITER Project as a member of the European Union, France has made and honoured a number of specific commitments. France has provided the site for the project and carried out preparatory works including clearing and levelling, fencing, and networks for water and electricity.
Where is the ITER project in France?
ITER in France. At the centre of the 180-hectare ITER parcel, is the 42-hectare scientific platform where work is currently underway to build ITER. (July 2019) The decision to site the ITER Project in southern France was made by the ITER Members in June 2005.
What is ITER?
ITER is a global scientific partnership of unprecedented scale bringing together half of the world’s population: China, Europe, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States. ITER will be the largest Tokamak device to test magnetic confinement to produce fusion energy.
What does CEA Cadarache do for ITER?
As the first six-person ITER team moved in at the end of 2005, CEA Cadarache provided the land, the temporary offices, electrical and hydraulic networks, and critical services such as transportation and access to a canteen and an infirmary.
How many people are involved in ITER?
More than 3000 people are contributing to ITER’s civil engineering works. The home of the ITER machine—a building of seven floors that sits 13 m below thelevel of the platform and 60 m above.