“We’re Building the Heart of a Star”: Westinghouse to Assemble Core of the World’s Largest Fusion Reactor in Historic First

The world of energy is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation with the development of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the largest nuclear fusion facility on the planet. At the heart of this ambitious project is Westinghouse Electric Company, which has been tasked with the crucial responsibility of assembling the tokamak’s core components. This initiative represents a significant stride toward achieving a sustainable and carbon-free energy solution for the future. With a contract valued at $180 million, Westinghouse’s involvement underscores the importance of expertise and international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

Westinghouse’s Role in Vacuum Vessel Assembly

Westinghouse Electric Company’s responsibility in the ITER project is monumental. The company will complete the vacuum vessel—a double-walled steel structure that will contain the fusion plasma. The assembly involves placing and welding nine sectors to form a single, circular, torus-shaped chamber. This vessel is critical to maintaining the high-pressure environment essential for nuclear fusion.

According to ITER Director-General Pietro Barabaschi, “ITER is pleased to have Westinghouse Electric Company taking on this significant role in our first-of-a-kind project.” The confidence placed in Westinghouse stems from its decades-long leadership in nuclear power plant design and construction. The company has actively participated in the ITER project for over a decade, contributing to manufacturing parts for the vacuum vessel in collaboration with its partners in the AMW consortium, including Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare and Walter Tosto.

Westinghouse’s involvement extends beyond mere assembly; it has been instrumental in developing fabrication techniques that adhere to ITER’s stringent quality requirements, showcasing its remarkable expertise in nuclear technology.

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International Collaboration for ITER

The ITER project epitomizes global cooperation, involving 35 nations working together toward a common goal—achieving sustainable energy. The European Union shoulders almost half of the construction costs, while China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the USA contribute equally to the remainder. This collaborative spirit is a testament to the global commitment to overcoming energy challenges and fostering innovation.

Since the construction of the ITER facility began in 2010, the timeline for achieving “first plasma” has undergone revisions. Initially set for 2018, it was later adjusted to 2025 and most recently to 2035. This evolving timeline reflects the complexity of the project and the need for meticulous planning and execution. Recently, China successfully shipped the final set of Correction Coil Incryostat Feeder components to the ITER site in the south of France, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress.

Dan Sumner, Westinghouse Interim CEO, emphasized, “Our expert teams look forward to bringing our world-capabilities and expertise to the completion of this important project.”

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The Science Behind Fusion Energy

The science of nuclear fusion holds the promise of a cleaner and virtually limitless energy source. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms, fusion involves combining hydrogen atoms to form helium, releasing an enormous amount of energy in the process. ITER aims to generate 500 megawatts (MW) of fusion power from just 50 MW of input heating power, achieving a tenfold energy gain.

While ITER itself will not generate electricity, its successful operation is designed to demonstrate fusion as a viable, large-scale energy source. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for future power plants that can operate without carbon emissions, providing a sustainable solution to the world’s energy needs.

The project will initially focus on deuterium-deuterium fusion operations, with the aim of progressing to full magnetic energy and plasma current operation. This phased approach ensures a scientifically and technically robust development path, with the potential to revolutionize energy production.

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The Future of Fusion Energy

The successful execution of the ITER project could herald a new era in energy production, with fusion technology playing a pivotal role in addressing global energy demands. The promise of fusion energy lies in its ability to provide a sustainable, carbon-free power source, thereby significantly reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels.

As the project progresses, it will require continued international cooperation, innovation, and investment. The challenges are immense, but the potential rewards are equally great. By demonstrating the viability of fusion energy, ITER could set the stage for the development of commercial fusion power plants that can meet the energy needs of future generations.

As we stand on the brink of this energy revolution, one question remains: How will the successful implementation of fusion energy reshape our world and redefine our approach to energy consumption and sustainability?

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