EUROfusion unites research in Europe
Fusion devices around Europe are testing new materials, perfecting plasma control, and designing resilient reactor components to contribute to ITER’s success and prepare for the next-phase reactor DEMO. The European Consortium for the Development of Fusion Energy, EUROfusion, unites these diverse experiments under a shared research roadmap.
European scientists are participating in the global quest to develop fusion as a sustainable energy source and training the future pan-European team of experts that will contribute to the scientific exploitation of next-step fusion devices including ITER. Under the umbrella of EUROfusion, which supports and funds fusion research activities on behalf of the European Commission’s Euratom program within 26 European Union member states*, specialists are pooling their expertise to tackle the complex challenges on the path to fusion energy. This collaboration helps to accelerate discovery and avoid the duplication of efforts.
According to Programme Manager Gianfranco Federici, EUROfusion's main strengths are broad scientific knowledge and strong shared assets and facilities. "By coordinating our resources and talent, we can effectively support ITER in several critical technical, train a new generation, and advance faster towards a viable fusion power plant," he says in a press release issued today.
Recent milestones, including JET’s record-breaking fusion power output and WEST’s record-setting plasma duration, underscore Europe’s cutting-edge technology and scientific excellence. With vital contributions from the TCV tokamak (Switzerland), ASDEX Upgrade (Germany), and Wendelstein 7-X (Germany) as well as smaller labs across Europe capable of advancing diagnostic tools, testing high-heat-flux components, and conducting materials research, Europe is contributing to advancing the science and technology of fusion energy and chanelling the findings directly into supporting ITER and the European DEMO program, which aims at demonstrating the commercial viability of fusion power.
See a press release issued today by EUROfusion.
*Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom participate in EUROfusion activities with their national fusion budgets.