Fusion energy project moves into next stage of development
Representatives from the European Commission met with other governing members from the ITER project, a study seeking to develop fusion energy, following the completion of the engineering design phase of the project. The Council agreed that the next stage of the project should now commence. ITER is an international fusion energy research and development project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful purposes. The consortium will develop the first fusion device to produce thermal energy at the level of a commercial power station. The ITER council agreed that, at a time of increasing global pressure on energy resources and global environmental concerns, now is the right time to undertake the next step in the development of fusion energy. Work is currently underway to establish the specific design adaptations of potential sites. Once this has been decided, and the necessary funds have been pledged by the ITER participants, the construction phase, which is expected to last around ten years, will begin. This will be followed by an operation phase, lasting roughly 20 years.