ITER

5,61 billion

Support for a major international nuclear fusion project

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DG / Responsible Agencies: ENER | F4E

Potential beneficiaries

Scientists, architects, engineers, construction and manufacturing companies, advanced technology industries, energy and nuclear industries, etc.

Description and objectives

ITER (an acronym for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a unique experimental device under construction in Saint-Paul- Lèz- Durance (France). ITER construction was launched in 2007 by a broad international partnership, including (in addition to Euratom member countries) Russia, China, India, South Korea and the United States.

ITER aims to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of nuclear fusion as a future energy source, thereby contributing to the European Union’s strategic agenda for clean and safe energy. EU participation in ITER pursues four specific objectives:

• Ensure continuity of EU leadership in the ITER project by ensuring timely delivery of EU components and active participation in ITER governance processes;

• To provide the ITER International Organization with sufficient performance-based funding for its operations, particularly the assembly of the facility from components from individual ITER members;

• Offering European high-tech industries and SMEs a valuable opportunity to innovate and develop “spin off” products to be exploited outside of fusion;
• Continue collaboration with Japan on some technical aspects (tokamak plant, materials testing) necessary for ITER operation.

ITER’s agenda calls for completion of infrastructure and launch of the first experimental operations by 2027; continued installation and upgrade work; and operation at full power by 2035.

Types of actions and projects

ITER constitutes an international (not just European) “megaproject.” The program covers the EU’s contribution to ITER (i.e., about 45 percent of the total project costs), in terms of the organization and construction of the facility: procurement of equipment, installation and general technical and administrative support for the construction phase, commissioning and operations, and collaboration with other countries (e.g., Japan).

ITER funds are managed by the Fusion for Energy (F4E) joint venture. They are provided through grants and procurements to support study, design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, assembly and installation activities of various components and systems of ITER buildings, machines and facilities. In this way, ITER stimulates European industrial investment in new advanced technologies (for the plant’s components) and advanced civil engineering (for its construction).

Highlights

The program is a continuation of the program implemented in the previous programming period. The program budget has almost doubled.