ITER Council notes continued progress across construction, commissioning, and licensing
The ITER Council welcomes continued progress across the ITER project, citing advances in construction, assembly, commissioning preparation, and regulatory engagement during its 38th meeting, held on 25–26 June in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
Reporting to Council members, ITER Director-General Pietro Barabaschi outlined developments achieved since the previous Council meeting. Members noted the latest Project Progress Report and expressed appreciation for the overall execution of the project under Baseline 2024, recognizing the sustained efforts of both the ITER Organization and the seven Domestic Agencies.
Among the key areas highlighted were ongoing assembly and installation activities on the ITER site. Work continues on sector module assembly and installation, central solenoid assembly, plant installation, and related site operations. The Council also welcomed the project's continued emphasis on integrated planning, execution discipline, and close coordination among all ITER partners to support delivery along the project's critical path.
Progress was also reported in commissioning-related activities. Council members noted the start of operation of the Magnet Cold Test Facility and advances in global commissioning efforts, which are intended to reduce technical risk and strengthen readiness for future stages of assembly and operation.
Beyond construction, the Council acknowledged ITER's ongoing engagement with the wider fusion community. Activities carried out in collaboration with the Domestic Agencies under the Private Sector Fusion Engagement (PSFE) project include knowledge-sharing initiatives that support the growing fusion sector and contribute to the transfer of expertise to emerging private fusion enterprises.
Regulatory matters also featured prominently in discussions. The Council welcomed continued constructive engagement between the ITER Organization and France's Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR). Members noted ASNR's agreement to exclude the ITER vacuum vessel from the scope of French legislation implementing the European Pressure Equipment Directive, a decision expected to support schedule and cost efficiencies while maintaining quality objectives.
Reaffirming their commitment to the project, ITER Members emphasized the importance of ITER's mission to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy and pledged their continued support for the successful delivery of this unique international collaboration.