The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a vast global nuclear fusion endeavour, has reached a significant milestone by assembling the world’s most powerful magnet. Located in southern France and backed by over 30 countries, including the U.S., China, EU nations, Russia, and Japan, ITER attempts to reproduce the sun’s energy by fusing atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures. Central to this process is a magnetic system that confines the heated plasma in a regulated region, and the final piece—called the central solenoid—has now been developed and tested in the United States.
Described by ITER Director General Pietro Barabaschi as vital to the reactor’s function, the magnet is considered a vessel that permits the fusion process to proceed. Although initially scheduled for completion in 2021, this component encountered substantial delays. Critics have pointed to long-standing difficulties, but Barabaschi maintained the project is currently moving at an unparalleled pace, with plasma generation anticipated for 2033.
He noted the continuous international cooperation, despite global political pressures. Meanwhile, private fusion businesses continue to seek financing with ambitious timetables. While Barabaschi expressed pessimism about near-term achievements, he stressed the long-term possibilities of fusion energy. The true issue, he added, was in developing a cost-effective and sustainable approach.
