Opportunities in the Construction Phase of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

Abstract

Since 1992, fusion researchers from the U.S., Japan, Europe, Russia, and other countries, have been engaged in a very successful collaboration on the engineering design activities (EDA) of the world's first fusion experimental reactor (ITER). Decisions on whether and where to construct this 1500 MWth, $10 billion facility are scheduled to be made by July 1998. The United States, for budgetary reasons, is faltering in its commitment to fusion development, and thus risks not being involved as a full partner when ITER is built and the long-sought goal of fusion energy is achieved. In this paper, we examine, from the point of view of U.S. industry, the issues and opportunities presented by this historic venture.