Do you know what ITER is? ITER is one of the most important energy projects in human history, and it’s advancing toward a goal that seems taken out of a science fiction movie: recreating the same energy the Sun produces, but on Earth. If this is achieved, the world could have a source of clean, safe, and practically unlimited energy. So, let’s learn more about this ITER project, shall we?
What’s ITER?
ITER is a huge project that’s being built in Cadarache, in the south of France. Its goal is to create energy through nuclear fusion, a process that makes the Sun shine. In the fusion two extremely hot particles join together and release a great amount of clean energy.
To achieve this, ITER needs a special chamber where a gas called plasma is heated at incredibly high temperatures: up to 150 million degrees Celsius, which is way hotter than the Sun’s core. Since nothing can handle that heat, the plasma doesn’t touch the walls of the chamber, instead it keeps floating through powerful magnetic fields.
If ITER properly works, it could provide energy without polluting, no risks, nor limits; something that would change the future of humanity forever.
Recent advances
The company Westinghouse Electric Company, globally known for its nuclear technology, has started assembling the core of the ITER reactor. In August, this company won a contract worth about $168 million to install nine large steel sectors. These pieces form the huge chamber where the fusion reaction will take place.
This chamber must be watched very closely. Inside it, ITER plans to create a plasma that reaches 150 million degrees Celsius, an unimaginable temperature. The entire system weighs around 400 tons, showing just how massive and complex this project is.
Building ITER is not easy
Bernard Gigot, former director general of ITER, explained that building this huge machine is like building a 3D puzzle at industrial scale. Each piece must perfectly fit, with no mistakes.
Why so much precision? Well, because the chamber will withstand very intense magnetic forces and extreme temperatures. So, if one part is not perfectly aligned, the fusion won’t happen in a safe way. This is why every detail is essential.
35 countries working together
Another important point is that ITER was possible thanks to international collaboration, the team effort of 35 nations that want a common benefit: a sustainable, clean and unlimited source of energy that does not harm the planet. Let’s see which are the countries involved:
- United States.
- China.
- Japan.
- Russia.
- European Union countries.
These countries represent more than half of the global population and near 85% of the global economy.
So…
If this project succeeds, it could transform the world. Energy would become cleaner, safer, and almost limitless. It could help protect the environment and reduce our dependence on polluting energy sources. This is why many experts call it “the most important project in the history of mankind.”
And now, as ITER moves into one of its most crucial phases, the dream of a future powered by the same force as the Sun feels closer than ever. Do you think projects like this are a great idea?