Council adopts controlled thermonuclear fusion programme (1990-1994)
A Council Decision of 19 December 1991 adopting a research and training programme in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion (1990 to 1994) (91/678/Euratom) establishes the continuation of the Community fusion programme for the period 19 December 1991 to 31 December 1994. The long-term objective of the programme, embracing all activities undertaken in the Member States in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion by magnetic confinement, is the joint creation of safe, environmentally sound prototype reactors. A step by step strategy towards a prototype commercial reactor is envisaged, including after JET, an experimental reactor (Next Step) and a demonstration reactor (DEMO). The first priority objective of the 1990-1994 programme is to provide the scientific and technological base, to establish environmental and safety criteria and to prepare industry for the construction of the Next-Step device. The total estimated appropriation for this period is ECU 411.84 million, with a further ECU 42 million to be allocated to JRC research in the field of controlled fusion, and ECU 4.16 million to the centralized scheme for dissemination and exploitation of results.