ITER: THE GIANT FUSION REACTOR

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