More than 30 countries are jointly developing the experimental reactor
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced its continued involvement in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global nuclear fusion megaproject under development in southern France.
The ITER project, often referred to as the world’s largest “artificial sun,” is a collaborative effort involving China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. The project’s objective is to create a safe and nearly limitless source of electricity.
On Tuesday, Rosatom CEO Aleksey Likhachev met with ITER Director General Pietro Barabaschi during the latter’s working visit to Russia. They discussed Russia’s fulfillment of its obligations regarding the manufacture and supply of equipment for the project.
“We are grateful to the ITER leadership, which is demonstrating not just a fair and honest position, but is also keenly engaging and expanding Russia’s participation in this project,” Likhachev stated to journalists following a meeting at Rosatom’s headquarters in Moscow.
In response, Barabaschi characterized the discussion as “very productive,” noting that “after some difficulties, we are getting now again on track, we have a new plan ahead.”
“Russia’s contribution, like that of all other ITER members, is very important, demonstrating a common commitment to the development of fusion energy that will exist for the benefit of the entire world. This contribution covers all areas – from critical components to key technological innovations,” ITER’s director-general emphasized.
ITER’s origins can be traced back to 1985, following a summit between then-US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The tokamak reactor is projected to become the world’s most powerful fusion device, capable of generating large-scale nuclear reactions.
The multibillion-euro project has faced a series of technical challenges and cost issues over the years, including those stemming from Ukraine conflict-related sanctions.
Russia is a key supplier of 25 sophisticated high-tech systems for the future facility. Rosatom affirms that the delivery of this unique equipment is progressing on schedule, in full compliance with the reactor’s construction timeline.