ITER: New Roadmap, First Phase of Operations in 2035

ITER revises its timetable, aiming for a first phase of deuterium-deuterium fusion operations in 2035, marking a crucial step forward for nuclear fusion.

Share:

Fusion ITER en 2035

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project has unveiled a new roadmap, with the first phase of operations scheduled for 2035. This revision, described by General Manager Pietro Barabaschi as “realistic”, responds to the technical and logistical challenges encountered since construction began in 2010.

Priorities and strategies

The revised project focuses on consolidating tokamak assembly steps and improving pre-assembly testing to minimize risks. The aim is to launch substantial research operations as quickly as possible, reaching technical milestones crucial to the global fusion innovation program.

Impact of Delays

Compared with the 2016 roadmap, which foresaw a first plasma in 2025, the new timeline implies a significant postponement. However, the nature of the project evolved from a low-energy test to a 15-megamp research operation, requiring more complex installations.

ITER objectives

ITER aims to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free energy source. With a target of operating at 500 MW for at least 400 seconds, the project represents a crucial milestone for the international fusion industry, despite the absence of direct electricity production.

Contributions and Partnerships

Thirty-three nations are participating in the construction of ITER, with the European Union covering almost half the costs. The other members (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States) contribute equally to the remainder. Support for the project remains strong despite the challenges, with council members reaffirming their commitment at the 34th ITER Council meeting.

Causes of delays

Delays are attributable to problems inherent in pioneering projects, the COVID-19 pandemic, and manufacturing defects such as cracks in the weld joints of vacuum vessel sectors and corrosion of thermal protection pipes. Despite these obstacles, significant progress has been made, including the manufacture of all toroidal field coils.
ITER remains a flagship project for nuclear fusion research and development, with nations working together to overcome the challenges and ensure the success of this crucial mission for the world’s energy future.

SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.
Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.