International fusion energy project delayed

FACTA

FUTURA

The International Fusion Energy Project (ITER) fusion reactor has finally been assembled. But the reactor itself won't operate fully until 2039 at the earliest. It was originally expected to cost around $5 billion and begin its first full test in 2020. It has now suffered multiple delays and its budget swelled beyond $22 billion, with an additional $5 billion proposed to cover additional costs. These unforeseen expenses are behind the delays. While there are several privately funded tokamak reactors under development, ITER is the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor. It is the product of collaboration between 35 countries — including every state in the EU, Russia, China, India and the U.S.  

Harnessing fusion reaction has the potential to transform the global energy system. If nuclear fusion could be replicated on Earth at an industrial scale, it could provide virtually limitless clean, safe, and affordable energy to meet the world's demand. It would generate enormous amounts of energy without producing greenhouse gases or long-lasting radioactive waste and therefore significantly contribute to resolving the issues related to climate change. Unfortunately, due to delays and outstanding technical challenges, it is unlikely to arrive in time to be a solution for the climate crisis. The delay is therefore a set-back to humanity's quest to fight climate change and the efforts to counter climate crisis will have to proceed on parallel tracks.