The ITER Challenge: Nuclear Fusion, a Future in Suspense

Is the future of nuclear fusion at ITER in jeopardy? An overview of the pandemic's impact and technical challenges.

Share:

Projet INTER

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 Challenge was highlighted at the 29thIEA Fusion Energy Conference. Is nuclear fusion, the promise of a clean, unlimited energy source, in danger? A new schedule for this multinational project, located at Cadarache in the south of France, is due to be presented to the Board for approval in the middle of next year. However, considerable delays are looming on the horizon, calling into question the achievement of the initial objective: the first fusion in 2025.

Major technical challenges

Barabaschi, head of the ITER project, speaks of a “change of culture” within the team, emphasizing transparency regarding problems encountered. While the power supply system has been completed, and the major components are in place, technical challenges have hampered the path to fusion.

The problem of cracks and welds in the vacuum vessel, as well as geometric non-conformities, led to the withdrawal of key components. Nevertheless, repair contracts have been awarded to remedy these problems. The transition of the first wall from beryllium to tungsten is also on the agenda, raising questions about the choice of materials.

Crucial Knowledge Management

In addition to the technical challenges, the ITER project has to deal with the issue of knowledge management. Much of the expertise required to build such an installation was lost along the way. Rebuilding this knowledge base is imperative to the success of the project.

The Impact of the Pandemic

Finally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic did not spare ITER. Delays and disruptions have created a climate of uncertainty about the future of nuclear fusion. While progress continues to be made, it is clear that adjustments are needed to achieve the targets set.

A Clean Energy Promise

The ITER project, the fruit of collaboration between thirty-five nations, represents hope for the future of energy. However, the obstacles on the road to nuclear fusion should not be underestimated. The crucial question remains: will nuclear fusion remain a promise or become a reality?

The future of nuclear fusion is still up in the air, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the world are riveted on ITER, because the success of this project could change the energy landscape.

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.