Fusion for Energy Secures Major ITER Contract for Continued Collaboration

Fusion for Energy (F4E), the European organization managing Europe’s contribution to the ITER project, has secured a significant contract with the b.NEXT consortium. This collaboration extends the successful partnership between F4E and the consortium, leveraging their expertise in delivering key infrastructure for the world’s largest fusion experiment.

The ITER project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a clean and limitless energy source by building a tokamak fusion device. F4E plays a crucial role by contributing nearly half the project’s construction cost and overseeing the delivery of crucial infrastructure.

The new contract, expected to run until 2030 with the possibility of extension, builds on the consortium’s previous successful collaboration. It utilizes their proven track record in engineering, project management, and the application of cutting-edge digital technologies for automation.

Under this agreement, b.NEXT will provide a range of services, including consulting, design, nuclear safety management, construction support, and project management. This comprehensive approach ensures the successful completion of civil and mechanical works at the ITER construction site.

This continued partnership is an example of successful international collaboration. With thirty-three nations contributing to ITER, F4E’s collaboration with b.NEXT demonstrates Europe’s commitment to the project’s success. The involvement of the consortium in the Tritium building, generator facilities, and fuel storage tanks highlights their expertise in delivering critical infrastructure for this groundbreaking fusion experiment.

Stéphane Aubarbier, deputy CEO of Assystem, said: “The ITER project is the most ambitious nuclear research programme in recent decades. The success of b.NEXT illustrates the strength of our consortium, which brings together complementary expertise in engineering, project management and digital technologies. We are convinced that fusion technologies are crucial to maximising sustainable, low-carbon electricity production worldwide, while offering promising career prospects for current and future generations.”

François Martin,  chief nuclear officer at Egis, said: “We are proud to play a part in fusion technology, to contribute to providing a concrete response to the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, enhancing energy security, and improving the quality of life of billions of people around the globe. We can see rapid growth in fusion investment and the importance of building solid supply chains to deliver future reactors.”

Javier Perea, CEO of Empresarios Agrupados, said: “The ITER project is very relevant to designing the future energy mix and a transition free of CO2. The project will pave the way for a sustainable, inexhaustible energy source … this contract builds on the great teamwork of b.NEXT partners and Fusion for Energy since 2010, bringing together the best capabilities in advanced engineering for nuclear projects of the highest complexity.”

Marc Lachaise, director of F4E, said: “Europe’s participation in ITER offers companies a unique opportunity to be involved in the biggest international fusion project, which will influence the energy mix of the future. They will be part of a large supply chain managed by F4E, which will strengthen their skills, boost their competitiveness, and provide them with first-hand experience in developing tomorrow’s fusion devices.”