Opinion of the ESC on controlled thermonuclear fusion and JET
On 20 March 1991, the Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted an opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific research and development programme in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion (1990-1994) and on the proposal for a Council Decision approving amendments to the statutes of the Joint European Torus (JET) joint undertaking (OJ No C 261 of 16.10.1990). The Committee reiterates its firm support for the thermonuclear fusion programme and welcomes progress made. The investments involved in this programme are considered to be commensurate with what is at stake. Comments in the body of the text in no way detract from the Committee's approval of both draft Decisions. The evaluation report (EUR 13104 EN) stresses that fusion should remain a high priority in Community RTD strategy. Nevertheless, a prototype industrial reactor which is environmentally and economically sound can be expected to operate only around the year 2040.