Council Decision of 19 December 2011 concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013) (2012/93/Euratom) (repealed)

I.A. FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

Objective

Developing the knowledge base for, and realising ITER as a major step towards, the creation of prototype reactors for power stations that are safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible, and economically viable.

Rationale

Fusion has the potential to make a major contribution to the realisation of a sustainable and secure energy supply for the Union a few decades from now. Its successful development would provide energy which is safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The long-term goal of European fusion research, embracing all the fusion activities in the Member States and associated third countries, is the joint creation of prototype reactors for power stations which meet these requirements, and are economically viable.

The first priority of the strategy to achieve the long-term goal is the construction of ITER (a major experimental facility which will demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power), followed by the construction of a demonstration fusion power plant (DEMO). ITER construction will be accompanied by a focused programme of supporting R & D for ITER and limited activities on the technologies and physics required for DEMO.

The global dimension of fusion R & D is embodied in the Agreement of 21 November 2006 on the establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the joint implementation of the ITER project and the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Community for the Joint Implementation of the Broader Approach Activities in the Field of Fusion Energy Research(1).

International cooperation is also pursued within eight bilateral fusion Cooperation Agreements in force between the Community and third countries.

Activities

1. The realisation of ITER

This includes activities for the joint realisation of ITER, in particular governance of the ITER International Organisation and the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, management and staffing, general technical and administrative support, construction of equipment and installations and support for the project during construction.

2. R & D in preparation of ITER operation

A focused physics and technology programme will exploit the Joint European Torus (JET) and other ITER-relevant magnetic confinement devices. It will assess specific key ITER technologies, consolidate ITER project choices, and prepare for ITER operation.

3. Limited technology activities in preparation of DEMO

Fusion materials and key technologies for fusion will be further developed, and the work of the team preparing for the construction of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) will continue.

4. R & D activities for the longer term

There will be limited activities on improved concepts for magnetic confinement schemes (focused on the preparation for operation of the W7-X stellarator device), and theory and modelling aimed at a comprehensive understanding of fusion plasmas.

5. Human resources, education and training

In view of the immediate and medium term needs of ITER, and for the further development of fusion, initiatives aimed at training the ‘ITER Generation’, in terms of numbers, range of skills and high-level training and experience will be pursued.

6. Infrastructures

ITER will be a new research infrastructure with a strong European dimension.

7. Industry and technology transfer processes

New organisational structures are needed for swift transfer of innovations deriving from ITER to European industry. This will be a task of the Fusion Industry Innovation Forum which will develop a fusion technology roadmap and human resource development initiatives, with an emphasis on innovation and potential for providing new products and services.

(1)

OJ L 246, 21.9.2007, p. 34.