ITER Nuclear Fusion Reactor Launch Delayed to 2034, Experimenting with Plasma from the Beginning.
The experimental phase of the ITER nuclear fusion reactor in France’s Saint-Paul-lez Durance has been pushed back to 2034. Initially, it was expected to launch briefly in 2025 for testing with low energy levels. However, due to the pandemic and issues with certain components, the project team has updated its plans. Instead of a symbolic launch with a ‘bare’ machine for plasma testing, ITER director Pietro Barabaschi announced that the new plan involves experimenting with the plasma from the beginning to partially offset the delay. The ultimate objective of the reactor is to produce energy through hydrogen fusion, replicating the processes that occur on the Sun.
The ITER project has brought together multiple countries, including the EU, USA, Russia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Since its inception in 2010, it has cost an estimated 20 billion euros. Supporters of nuclear fusion believe that it offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source. However, critics argue that renewable energy sources should take precedence over nuclear power. Experts working on ITER emphasize that delays were expected considering challenges posed by quality concerns with certain components and global health crises such as pandemics.
Despite these setbacks, experts predict additional costs amounting to several billion euros to fund amended project schedules. Nevertheless, their goal remains unchanged – to harness nuclear fusion’s power and generate clean and abundant energy for future generations.
The pandemic’s impact on global infrastructure projects is evident in many industries worldwide. Governments worldwide have invested billions of dollars in combating COVID-19 outbreaks but have also faced economic challenges such as job losses and business closures.
In conclusion, nuclear power is an essential component of our country’s energy mix. It provides reliable electricity generation at scale while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.
However, some experts worry about potential safety risks associated with nuclear fusion technology as it generates extremely high temperatures and pressures needed for atoms to fuse together effectively.
As we look towards a sustainable future where all nations have access to affordable clean energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines without compromising public safety or human rights
