Construction of a $10-billion research complex to develop the world’s first sustained fusion reaction could begin in France by December. Late last month, the U.S. initialed an agreement with China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Russia to construct the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). After a 120-day review of the agreement by Congress, the parties are scheduled to sign a final agreement Nov. 29. Officials expect construction to start “soon thereafter,” says Ray Orbach, director of the Dept. of Energy’s Office of Science.
Construction of the project in Cadarache, France, is scheduled to take eight years. As the host, Europe will contribute 45.4% of the construction cost. Each of the other six partners will contribute 9.1%. DOE officials estimate the U.S. share at $1.122 billion, of which 80% will be in the form of equipment and materials supplied under bid by industry. The other 20% will consist of personnel and cash for assembly.