The Stellarator concept is an alternative to the tokamak concept and has the potential to provide a more effective plasma confinement. It is, however, less developed than the tokamak concept. Stellarator research is moving from mid-size experiments to large scale experiments. The underlying physics has matured and experimental verification of the theoretical predications have been advanced. Different approaches to the Stellarator concept are pursued in different countries. The Implementing Agreement provides mechanisms to jointly investigate the properties of different Stellarator approaches and to compare them with the tokamak concept. The Implementing Agreement co-ordinates all the ongoing Stellarator activities around the world in one co-ordinated programme. The collaboration programme includes jointly planned experiments for comparison purposes, mutual participation in experiments and theoretical activities, joint evaluation of results, and information sharing. Exploiting a larger number of devices provides a broader basis of experimental results, better progress on confinement configurations, and increases the reliability of the results from the various facilities, thus contributing to improve the design of next-step devices. Reducing uncertainties will reduce construction costs. A joint Stellarator database including experimental results from participating facilities is available.

Research & Planning for the Development of the Stellarator Concept
Improve the physics base and to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of R&D efforts on Stellarator concept