Delayed ITER Nuclear Fusion Reactor Launch: New Plan and Challenges Ahead

In an unexpected turn of events, the initial experimental phase of the ITER nuclear fusion reactor in France’s Saint-Paul-lez Durance is now set to begin in 2034, which is later than originally planned. This delay has been attributed to the pandemic and issues with certain components. Originally, ITER was expected to launch briefly in 2025 for testing with low energy levels. However, the updated plan now envisions a more comprehensive first experimental phase in 2034.

In a major shift from the original plan, ITER director Pietro Barabaschi announced that instead of a symbolic launch with a ‘bare’ machine for plasma testing, the project will focus on experimenting with plasma from the outset to partially offset the delay. This change in approach is aimed at strengthening risk mitigation strategies and improving the chances of achieving project goals. Ultimately, the objective of ITER is to harness the power of nuclear fusion to generate clean and abundant energy that replicates processes on the Sun.

The ITER project has brought together multiple countries, including the EU, USA, Russia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Since its inception in 2010, it has cost an estimated €20 billion. Supporters believe that nuclear fusion could offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source while critics argue that renewable sources should be prioritized first. Experts emphasize that delays were not unforeseen given challenges posed by pandemics and quality concerns with certain components.

The revised project timeline may result in additional costs amounting to billions of euros. Despite setbacks due to these challenges and delays caused by external factors such as pandemics and equipment problems