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

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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.

US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.