European Domestic Agency opens doors in Barcelona

On 28 June, the European Domestic Agency opened its doors in Barcelona, under the name "Fusion for Energy". European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik took part in the ceremony to inaugurate the headquarters of the new "European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy". It will work with industry and research organizations around Europe to provide the components needed to build ITER. About 35% of the parts that make up ITER will come from Europe, in the form of 'in-kind' contributions. The agency will have a budget of €4 billion for the first ten years.

'It is time for fusion to deliver. And this is now in your hands,' said Commissioner Potočnik, as he officially opened Fusion for Energy. He said that the new agency would allow the EU to contribute to ITER in a rapid, organized and effective way. 'By bringing together the knowledge and expertise needed for the construction of a demonstration fusion power plant, Fusion for Energy should become a centre of excellence that will allow Europe and its partners to benefit fully from fusion energy in the future,' he continued.

In addition to its role in procuring parts for ITER, the agency will provide the European contributions to the 'Broader Approach' agreement with Japan on collaborative fusion research projects. These include the engineering design activities for the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF), a joint initiative between the EU, Japan, the Russian Federation and the US.

Visit the new Fusion for Energy website here