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Fusion Power

Fusion is arguably one of the major research challenges of the 21st Century. Fusion is an option to provide environmentally benign energy for the future without depleting natural resources for next generations. Fusion scientists from the European Union, India, China, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States are now proceeding with the construction of a 500-MW (thermal power) experimental plant (ITER). Although further R&D work needs to be done on materials and on concept improvements ITER is expected to be the last major step between today's experiments and a demonstration power plant.

The IEA provides a framework for nine, major international collaborative programs (Implementing Agreements) which deal with a broad range of fusion topics including physics, technology, materials, safety, environmental and economic aspects, and social acceptance of fusion power. The IEA Implementing Agreements carry out R&D activities which are relevant to either the ITER project or the "beyond-ITER" program (Demo power plant). The IEA Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee (FPCC) co-ordinates the IEA fusion activities and supports the IEA Fusion Implementing Agreements.