Mastering the power of the sun: Europe delivers first magnet in the history of ITER

Fusion, the energy source of the sun and stars, could be the energy of the future. It has the potential to provide a safe, cost-efficient and sustainable solution to European and global energy needs. That is why the EU is part of one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, ITER, a unique project to build the world’s biggest fusion machine. Although a purely experimental device, ITER will help advance fusion energy technology for a greener and more sustainable energy mix.

On Friday 17th April 2020, a huge magnet, the superconducting Toroidal Field coil was delivered and arrived at is final destination in Cadarache, in the South of France. The arrival of the massive component (17 metres high, weighing 310 tonnes) has set two records: this is the first magnet delivered in the history of the ITER project and the biggest component so-far handed over by Europe. During these challenging times where social distancing is mandatory, highlights like these make us Europeans come together virtually and fill us with collective pride.

Related links

• Fusion for energy
• Fusion energy and ITER