World-first thermonuclear experimental reactor gets key parts

ITER is the first international next-generation thermonuclear experimental reactor, currently under construction near Marseille, France.

The first of four Russian test stands has arrived at the construction site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in southern France. The stand is intended for vacuum, thermal and functional testing of port plugs, which are key diagnostic elements of the future installation.

Thermonuclear plant a multi-country exercise

Russia is an active ITER participant, alongside China, India, Japan, Korea, the US and other countries. The next stage is testing, during which conditions close to operational will be reproduced inside the stands.

ITER is the first international next-generation thermonuclear experimental reactor, currently under construction near Marseille, France.

The project’s purpose is to “demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of using fusion energy for peaceful purposes and to develop the related processes”. The practical deployment of fusion will open the way to new energy horizons, said Rosatom, Russia’s State Atomiс Energy Corporation..

“Environmentally clean and safe, controlled fusion could provide humanity with energy for millennia.”

Advancing nuclear science technology

Director of the ITER Project Centre Anatoly Krasilnikov said this test stand is one of the most complex and science-intensive systems in the scope of their responsibilities for the project.

“To design and manufacture it, our key suppliers had to develop and implement advanced innovative solutions. Russia has been tasked with producing all four stands and this reflects our experience and technological leadership,” said Krasilnikov. 

“The work was completed on time, with the required quality and within budget. I thank the Russian specialists who supervised every stage of design, procurement and assembly. I also thank Rosatom for supporting the creation of such a critical system.

“On behalf of the entire ITER Organisation team, and particularly the diagnostics programme, I express our sincere satisfaction with our productive cooperation with the ITER Project Centre and Rosatom,” he said.

Nuts and bolts of first international next-generation thermonuclear experimental reactor

The test stands are manufactured in Bryansk by Machinery and Tools Engineering Group (GKMP) Research and Production Association, a domestic producer of high-tech equipment for fusion, cryogenic complexes and thermovacuum testing.

“Production involves modern and often unique Russian technologies, and the stands undergo complex on-site testing. Under the Supply Agreement signed in 2011 between the Russian Federation and the ITER Organisation, the Russian company is to manufacture and deliver all four test stands,” said Rosatom.

“The initiative to unite international efforts to create an experimental fusion reactor belonged to Academician Evgeny Velikhov. The future installation is based on the tokamak system, a toroidal chamber with magnetic coils, developed in the 1950s by Soviet scientists Andrei Sakharov and Igor Tamm. The word ‘tokamak’ has since entered many languages.” 

Russian institutes and enterprises are tasked with producing and supplying 25 high-tech systems for the future installation.

Rosatom said Russian nuclear enterprises have previously delivered superconductors, a poloidal field coil and four gyrotron complexes to the ITER site.

“Production of other components continues. Deliveries of Russia’s unique equipment are made on time, fully in line with the reactor construction schedule.” 

Africa ramping up nuclear engagement for energy generation

The development and study of nuclear reactors is also taking place in Africa.

This year, South Africa’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy, in conjunction with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), marked the 60th anniversary of the South African Fundamental Atomic Research Installation (SAFARI-1) reactor.

Furthermore, Necsa, in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), will organise the 11th African Conference on Research Reactor Safety, Operation and Utilisation, scheduled to be held in Pretoria from 24 to 26 November.

Rosatom said the conference underscores the commitment to advancing nuclear science and technology throughout the continent.

Cover photo:  Image: Nuclear energy officials pose in front of the parts to be used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in southern France. Source: Rosatom