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The science of nuclear energy
The science of nuclear energy

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4.2.6 Fusion at JET and ITER

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In the video Steve Cowley explains the experiments conducted at JET (Joint European Torus) in inducing nuclear fusion and looking to the future at the tokamak being built at ITER, (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor).

One of the main challenges in the development of fusion is creating a reactor that is commercially viable. At the moment, the fusion at JET can only occur for a matter of seconds. The energy achieved is about the same as that put in, to achieve the contained plasma or a little more. This means that the tokamak at JET is not commercially viable.

The successor to JET is ITER, a new tokamak that is being built in France. This should be able to produce 500 MW of fusion power.

Next, read about the National Ignition Facility (NIF).