ITER Nuclear Fusion Reactor Delayed Until 2034: New Plan for First Experimental Phase

Due to the pandemic and issues with certain parts, the launch date for the ITER nuclear fusion reactor in France’s Saint-Paul-lez Durance has been pushed back until 2034. Originally, ITER was supposed to be briefly launched in 2025 for testing at low energy levels. However, a new plan now envisions the first experimental phase in 2034.

The reactor will explore plasma from the beginning rather than starting with a ‘bare’ machine as ITER director Pietro Barabaschi explained at a press conference on Wednesday. By altering the plans, the project aims to more effectively mitigate risks in pursuing its goals. ITER’s ultimate objective is to produce energy through the fusion of hydrogen atoms, simulating the processes that occur on the Sun. To achieve this, the hydrogen plasma must be heated to 150 million degrees Celsius with