World's Largest Fusion Reactor Faces $22 Billion Overrun, Delayed Until 2039
July 4, 2024The ITER project, aimed at achieving nuclear fusion, is facing significant delays and a $22 billion cost overrun.
Completion of the world's largest fusion reactor has been announced, but it won't be operational until at least 2039, three years later than planned.
Full magnetic energy production timeline has been pushed back to 2036, highlighting engineering and economic challenges.
Despite setbacks, project partners are committed to minimizing delays and risks.
Recent milestones include completion and shipping of toroidal field coils for the tokamak, with tungsten replacing beryllium as the plasma-facing material.
Fusion power, while promising, is unlikely to be a timely solution to the climate crisis.
Funding for ITER will continue, with a decision on additional financing to be made in November.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
Gizmodo • Jul 3, 2024
We'll Have to Wait a Bit Longer for the World's Biggest Fusion ReactorNew Scientist • Jun 27, 2024
Is the world's biggest fusion experiment dead after new delay to 2035?Live Science • Jul 3, 2024
World's largest nuclear reactor is finally completed. But it won't run for another 15 years.