The largest nuclear fusion reactor in Japan, also thanks to Italy

Important advances in research onenergy from nuclear fusionthere is also the signature ofItalia. Friday at Onin Japanwas inaugurated on JT-60SA experimental fusion reactor, designed and built under the Broader Approach agreement, a scientific collaboration between the European Union and Japan. A fundamental progress in the field especially with regards to the use of fusion energy, which is safe and respectful of the environment. As anticipated, this is also an Italian success thanks to the contribution of the government, businesses, Enea, the Rfx consortium and the National Research Council (Cnr).

Work on the JT-60SA plant started in 2007 and was completed in 2020. Over the years it has been possible to develop various technical improvements, while the first plasma experiments were started at the end of this year. Also known are the figures of what will be the largest nuclear fusion reactor: 560 million euros divided between Japan and Europe. According to experts, it is an example of science diplomacy and has been praised for its collaborative spirit, efficient management and exemplary execution. As regards the EU side, the management of the funds and the coordination of the manufacturing of components by countries participating on a voluntary basis (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) have been entrusted to Fusion for Energy.

“What happens here today will be important tomorrow in deciding fusion’s contribution to a carbon-free energy mix“, the words of Marc Lachaisedirector of Fusion for Energy: “The JT-60SA facility is critical to the fusion roadmap because it offers our experts a first-of-its-kind opportunity to learn, operate this device and share this valuable knowledge with the International Experimental Reactor (ITER). Furthermore, it has allowed European research laboratories and industry, together with Japan, to work side by side in developing a meaningful partnership”.

The EU consortium EUROfusion provides a scientific contribution to JT-60SA and a dedicated project – coordinated by Italy through the Cnr and worth approximately 15 million euros – supports the physical modeling and simulation activity for the preparation and analysis of the experiments, the preparation of advanced diagnostic systems and participation in the operations of the device, Thus the minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin: “As Minister of the Environment and Energy Security and program owner of the Italian Fusion Program I am very proud that Italy has contributed to today’s success by providing scientific support and tokamak components as a voluntary contribution under the Broader Approach agreement between the European Union and Japan, thanks to funds of around 70 million euros made available by the Italian Government”.