Fusion Project Delay

[Sparty]

ITER is the world's largest fusion experiment

Problems include:

Significant delays and challenges facing ITER, the international fusion reactor project:

New timeline:
ITER will not turn on until 2034, 9 years later than scheduled
Energy-producing fusion reactions won't occur until 2039.

Causes of delay:

Manufacturing faults, COVID-19 pandemic, and the complexity of the machine.

Cost increase: The project's cost will rise by €5 billion, on top of the current €20 billion estimate.

Safety concerns: The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) halted construction in 2022 due to concerns about worker protection from neutron radiation and potential tritium leaks.

Technical challenges: Issues with precision in manufacturing reactor sections and debates over materials for the inner reactor wall.

Revised approach: ITER plans to start operations gradually, using different fuel mixtures to validate safety models before full-power operations.

Relevance concerns: With private fusion companies promising faster results, some question ITER's relevance by the time it becomes operational.

Continued support: Despite delays, some experts argue ITER should continue as it may provide valuable data and technology for future fusion projects.

More info:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...uments-reveal/
https://www.science.org/content/arti...ct-big-trouble
https://fusionforenergy.europa.eu/iter/