European Domestic Agency opens doors in Barcelona

On 28 June, the European Domestic Agency opened its doors in Barcelona, under the name “Fusion for Energy”. European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik took part in the ceremony to inaugurate the headquarters of the new "European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy". It will work with industry and research organisations around Europe to provide the components needed to build ITER. Almost half the parts that make up ITER will come from Europe, in the form of 'in-kind' contributions. The agency will have a budget of €4 billion for the first 10 years.

The Host Agreement providing the premises of Fusion for Energy and setting out the conditions for its activities and staff was also signed the same day by the Spanish Minister for Science and Education, Mercedes Cabrera Calvo-Sotelo, and Commissioner Potocnik.

'It is time for fusion to deliver. And this is now in your hands,' said Commissioner Potocnik, as he officially opened Fusion for Energy. He said that the new agency would allow the EU to contribute to ITER in a rapid, organised and effective way. 'By bringing together the knowledge and expertise needed for the construction of a demonstration fusion power plant, Fusion for Energy should become a centre of excellence that will allow Europe and its partners to benefit fully from fusion energy in the future,' he continued.

In addition to its role in procuring parts for ITER, the agency will provide the European contributions to the 'broader approach' agreement with Japan on collaborative fusion research projects. These include the engineering design activities for the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF), a joint initiative between the EU, Japan, Russia and the US.

Fusion for Energy is also mandated to prepare for the construction of demonstration fusion reactors (or DEMO) that can demonstrate large-scale electrical power production. 'I am convinced that Europe must be at the very forefront of the DEMO effort - and we have a duty to realise the investment of European taxpayers in this venture,' said Mr Potocnik.

The signature event was followed by the inaugural meeting of the Joint Undertaking's Governing Board, which brings together representatives from Euratom, the EU Member States and Switzerland to ensure the overall supervision of Fusion for Energy’s activities.