This book provides for the first time an insider’s view into ITER, the biggest fusion reactor in the world, which is currently being constructed in southern France. Now in its second edition, it updates readers on all developments at ITER and those at competing fusion initiatives worldwide, at the National Ignition Facility (US), the Joint European Torus (EU) and the tens of start-ups funded by private ventures. The author also shares his personal experience with this unique big science project.
Aimed at bringing the “energy of the stars” to earth, ITER is funded by the major economic powers (China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the USA). Often presented as a “nuclear but green” energy source, fusion could play an important role in the future electricity supply. But as delays accumulate and budgets continue to grow, ITER is currently a star partially obscured by clouds.
Will ITER save humanity by providing a clean,safe and limitless source of energy, or is it merely a political showcase of cutting-edge technology? Is ITER merely an ambitious research project and partly a PR initiative driven by some politically connected scientists? In any case, ITER has already helped spur on rival projects in the USA, Canada and the UK. This book offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at this controversial project, which France snatched from Japan, and introduces them to a world of superlatives: with the largest magnets in the world, the biggest cryogenic plant and tremendous computing power, ITER is one of the most fascinating, and most international, scientific and technological endeavours of our time.
Aimed at bringing the “energy of the stars” to earth, ITER is funded by the major economic powers (China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the USA). Often presented as a “nuclear but green” energy source, fusion could play an important role in the future electricity supply. But as delays accumulate and budgets continue to grow, ITER is currently a star partially obscured by clouds.
Will ITER save humanity by providing a clean,safe and limitless source of energy, or is it merely a political showcase of cutting-edge technology? Is ITER merely an ambitious research project and partly a PR initiative driven by some politically connected scientists? In any case, ITER has already helped spur on rival projects in the USA, Canada and the UK. This book offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at this controversial project, which France snatched from Japan, and introduces them to a world of superlatives: with the largest magnets in the world, the biggest cryogenic plant and tremendous computing power, ITER is one of the most fascinating, and most international, scientific and technological endeavours of our time.
"Michel Claessens' second edition of ITER: The Giant Fusion Reactor is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of energy, fusion technology, and large-scale international scientific projects. It provides an accessible yet detailed account of ITER, celebrating its achievements while honestly addressing its challenges. This updated edition not only informs but also inspires, showcasing the potential of human ingenuity and cooperation in solving some of the most pressing challenges of our time." (Karl Tischler, EUROfusion, euro-fusion.org, June 13, 2024)
"The ITER project is, above all, a human endeavour, its complexity derived not only from massive components and precisely engineered structures, but also from relationships between individuals. For readers seeking a solid historical account and a unique perspective from a writer who has lived both inside and outside the project ... . ITER: the Giant Fusion Reactor offers an absorbing read. ... his work an engaging narrative." (iter.org, April 8, 2024)
"The ITER project is, above all, a human endeavour, its complexity derived not only from massive components and precisely engineered structures, but also from relationships between individuals. For readers seeking a solid historical account and a unique perspective from a writer who has lived both inside and outside the project ... . ITER: the Giant Fusion Reactor offers an absorbing read. ... his work an engaging narrative." (iter.org, April 8, 2024)