Fusion is the energy source of the Sun and stars. In the stellar bodies, gravitational forces create the necessary conditions for fusion. On Earth, fusion can be achieved through "magnetic confinement" - a technique that involves high temperature plasmas and intense magnetic fields.
ITER ("The Way" in Latin) is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today.
In southern France, 35 nations are collaborating to build the world's largest tokamak, a magnetic fusion device that has been designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.
The experimental campaign that will be carried out at ITER is crucial to advancing fusion science and preparing the way for the fusion power plants of tomorrow. Thanks to impressive achievements in fusion technology R&D, the manufacturing of major ITER components, such as superconducting magnet systems, vacuum vessel and cryostat, is in full swing. Substantial progress has also been achieved in prototyping and R&D activities in areas such as plasma facing components, Heating & Current Drive systems, remote handling and power supplies.
This paper reviews the progress made in developing the advanced technologies required for ITER and in the manufacturing activities for major tokamak components, and presents the status of construction of the ITER facility.
Whatever the projections or scenarios, and despite all the energy-saving measures we might implement, one thing is certain: we will need to produce more and more clean energy during this century to meet the needs of the planet's ever-growing population. By the end of this century, as the number of humans passes the 10 billion mark, world energy demand will have increased by a factor of three. The share of electricity in global energy consumption, which is approximately 20 percent today, will have grown up to 50 percent. Meeting this huge increase in demand is one of the most daunting challenges that the mankind has ever had to face.
