ITER’s Delayed Launch: Fusion Experiment Set for 2034 due to Pandemic and Quality Issues

The ITER nuclear fusion reactor, which was set to launch in France’s Saint-Paul-lez Durance, will now see its experimental phase delayed until 2034. This news comes as a result of the pandemic and issues with certain parts quality. Originally, the reactor was supposed to briefly launch in 2025 for testing at low energy levels, but new plans envision the first experimental phase in 2034.

The decision to start with plasma from the beginning rather than a ‘bare’ machine was made by ITER director Pietro Barabaschi at a press conference on Wednesday. By making this change, the project aims to more effectively mitigate risks while pursuing its goals. Ultimately, ITER’s goal is to produce energy through the fusion of hydrogen atoms, simulating the processes that occur on the Sun. To achieve this, hydrogen plasma must be heated to 150 million degrees Celsius, with the reactor eventually producing ten times more energy than it consumes.

The collaborative project involves six countries: the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan and South Korea. Initiated in 2010 with an estimated cost of over 20 billion euros, supporters believe that nuclear fusion could provide a climate-friendly and virtually unlimited energy source. However, critics argue that ITER is overshadowing the potential of renewable energy sources.

Experts involved in the project emphasize that delays should not come as a surprise given their impact on critical components availability and quality issues. Many essential parts would not have been available by 2025 if not for these delays. The change in plans is expected to entail additional costs amounting to several billion euros.