The ITER project – Europe in a leading position towards fusion energy: How to make the largest world scientific program a success?

Speaker: Bernard Bigot, CEO of  the CEA and High French Representative for the realization of ITER

It is widely understood that thermonuclear fusion is the energy source of the long term future. Fusion – the process at the core of our sun – offers many advantages as it is considered as emitting no CO2, having unlimited fuel and being intrinsically safe.

ITER (International Thermonuclear  Experimental Reactor) is an international large-scale scientific experiment that aims to demonstrate the feasibility to produce sustained energy from fusion in view of a future  commercial use. 

The European Union is part of the International Organization since the beginning of the project in 1985 and the mobilization of all EU Authorities and Members States secured the construction of the machine in Cadarache, South of France.

ITER represents a challenge, both scientifically and financially, in which the EU is deeply involved.   Mr Bigot presented the history of the project, the organization, the contribution of Europe, including the work done by France to prepare the site. He particularly stressed and discussed with the audience the next milestones.