In a significant development, China has successfully sent key modules for the ITER international thermonuclear reactor, located in the south of France. These crucial components, produced in the enterprises of the province of Guangdun, mark the first of their kind to be delivered as part of the project.
The ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), often referred to as the “artificial sun,” is a collaborative effort between China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the USA. The primary objective of this project is to explore the potential use of thermonuclear energy as a large-scale and eco-friendly energy source.
At the heart of the reactor lies a tokamak, a device that employs magnetic confinement to manage the extremely hot plasma and facilitate thermonuclear reactions. Weighing a massive 5000 tons, the reactor comprises nine sectors and 44 ports for diagnostics, remote control, heating, and refueling. With an internal volume of 1,400 cubic meters, it serves as a crucial testing ground for advancing thermonuclear energy technologies.
Of particular importance are the modules of the protective screen, which play a vital role in shielding against high-energy neutrons and dissipating heat. These components not only ensure the safety of the reactor by preventing overheating but also protect external equipment and personnel from radiation exposure.
China and South Korea have taken on significant responsibilities for the production of these modules. China aims to complete the delivery of the remaining 172 modules by 2027, while South Korea has expanded its production capacity by assuming additional sections of the reactor structure.
While the current focus of the project does not center on tritium production, these modules have the potential to be used in obtaining tritium, the primary fuel for thermonuclear fusion. Researchers plan to investigate the role of tritium in guaranteeing the stability and scalability of clean energy in the future.
The ITER project stands as one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of our time, offering a promising long-term solution to the global energy challenge.