The ITER experimental fusion reactor has recently announced significant delays in its operations, pushing back the timeline for achieving full fusion power to nearly 2040. The initial plasma operation has been delayed to 2036, with full-energy deuterium-tritium fusion now expected in 2039, representing a four-year delay from the previous roadmap.
These delays have been attributed to a variety of factors, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and construction delays. The international collaboration involved in building ITER has also contributed to the delays, with individual components being constructed by different partner organizations before assembly at the reactor site in France.
In response to these delays, the organization managing ITER has re-assessed its priorities and schedule. The previous plan involved prioritizing getting plasma into the machine with low-energy hydrogen plasmas before all final hardware was completed. However, the new schedule will see these experiments starting in 2034 and continuing for over two years, reaching much higher energies. This change in approach aims to streamline the process and reduce the need for extended shutdowns after initial experiments.
Despite these adjustments, the full power operations of ITER using a deuterium/tritium fuel mix will still be delayed by four years, extending the timeline to 2039. The decision to switch from beryllium to tungsten for the construction of the inner wall facing the plasma may introduce further technical and manufacturing delays, increasing the overall risk of additional setbacks.
With the potential for further delays looming, there is a concern that supporting nations may withdraw their backing for the project or that emerging commercial fusion startups could surpass ITER in achieving practical fusion power. The evolving landscape of fusion research and development poses both challenges and opportunities for ITER as it strives to bring fusion energy to fruition.
