UKAEA upgrades research power of JET fusion experiment
Joint European Torus (JET), the world's largest and most powerful nuclear fusion machine, is to restart operations after eight months of work by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to upgrade its power as a research tool. JET is one of the lynchpins of the European fusion programme, which aims to harness the power of nuclear fusion to create safe and environmentally friendly energy. It is the only machine capable of operating with the fuel mixture that will be used in a commercial fusion power station. Since January 2000, the JET experiment has been operated by UKAEA under the European fusion development agreement (EFDA). Frank Briscoe, UKAEA's fusion operations director, said the work 'included the most important improvements to the JET device since 1998.' The JET experiment has also become an increasing focus for European cooperation. The machine draws scientists and engineers from associated laboratories across Europe, as well as from associated and third countries, to carry out experiments in the integrated European fusion programme. The main aim of JET is to enable study of the conditions and dimensions needed in a power plant. It will be succeeded by the internationally-funded machine ITER (the international thermonuclear experimental reactor), followed by a demonstration fusion power plant. The next JET operating session is due to start in March 2002. Under EFDA, a new JET implementing agreement has been set up to use the JET facilities until at least the end of next year. The new agreement replaces the JET joint undertaking established in 1978 to construct and operate JET.