Aix-en-Provence welcomes the Fusion Expo

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France, 7 November 2012: What we see as light and feel as warmth is the result of fusion reactions in the core of the Sun. Reproducing this powerful form of energy on Earth and delivering it for industrial applications is one of the greatest scientific and engineering challenges of our time. The Fusion Expo, open from 13-28 November at the Office of Tourism in Aix-en-Provence, France, will present to the general public the fascinating science behind the ITER project, currently under construction just 30 kilometres from Aix. 

ITER is a large-scale, international scientific experiment that aims to demonstrate that fusion energy is scientifically and technologically feasible. The ITER Tokamak, where the first fusion experiments will be carried out within the decade, will be the largest tokamak in the world. 

During the Fusion Expo, ITER scientists will accompany visitors—young and old—in their discovery of different sources of energy, the story of the ITER project, and prospects for future energy production. 

Scientists will also lead four round table discussions on the following themes:

— ITER: What news? (14 November, 16h30) 
— Fusion and the energy challenge (17 November, 16h30)
— Provence, a centre of scientific excellence (21 November, 16h30) 
— Fusion and ITER: economic, scientific and technological stakes (24 November, 16h30) 

For visitor information:  

www.iter.org/fusionexpo (in French) 
fusionexpo@iter.org 

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESS RELEASE 

ITER—designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power—will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility. Fusion is the process which powers the sun and the stars: when light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, abundant and environmentally responsible energy source. 

ITER is also a first-of-a-kind global collaboration. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six Members to this joint international venture (China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA), will contribute equally to the rest. The ITER project is under construction in Cadarache, in the south of France.

CONTACT

Michel Claessens
michel.claessens@iter.org        
+33 6 14 16 41 75