Major Delays and Cost Overruns for the ITER Nuclear Fusion Project

The ITER project, which aims to revolutionize energy through nuclear fusion, has been delayed by eight years, with additional costs estimated at several billion euros.

Share:

Fusion Nucléaire ITER Retards Coûts

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 ITER project, which represents a major breakthrough in the field of nuclear fusion, faces considerable challenges. Originally scheduled to begin operations in 2025, the project is now at least eight years behind schedule, with a crucial first stage postponed to 2033. This delay is accompanied by an estimated additional cost of around 5 billion euros, bringing the total committed cost to between 20 and 40 billion euros. Across the Atlantic, the United States is stepping up its nuclear fusion research program.

Manufacturing Problems and Budget Revisions

In 2022, manufacturing defects were discovered on key reactor components, necessitating a complete re-evaluation of the schedule and budget. Pietro Barabaschi, General Manager ofITER, has been entrusted with this review by the seven participating members: China, South Korea, the United States, India, Japan, the European Union and Russia. The new roadmap, presented in June 2024, states that the production of the “first plasma” of matter, an essential step in fusion, has now been pushed back to 2033.

Implications for Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion, which differs from the fission used in today’s power plants, aims to reproduce the Sun’s nuclear reactions, promising a safe, waste-free energy source. However, ITER’s delays come at a time when many university laboratories and start-ups are making rapid progress in this field. Nevertheless, Pietro Barabaschi remains optimistic about ITER’s central role in the fusion race.

Impact on the private and public sectors

At the last G7 summit in Italy in mid-June 2024, members reaffirmed the importance of nuclear fusion in the fight against climate change. They also encouraged international collaboration to accelerate the development of fusion power plants, in order to attract more private investment and involve the public. ITER is responding to this call by organizing working groups with private players and welcoming new investors.

Future prospects

Despite the challenges, ITER’s fundamental objectives remain unchanged: to demonstrate the integration of systems for industrial-scale fusion. However, as Mr. Barabaschi points out, nuclear fusion should not be seen as the only solution to climate problems. It is crucial to diversify alternative energy sources until fusion can play a significant role in global energy production.

These delays and additional costs illustrate the complex challenges involved in developing revolutionary energy technologies. ITER continues to represent an ambitious international effort to harness a new, potentially inexhaustible and safe source of energy, despite the obstacles encountered.

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.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.

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.