Strong project execution and the latest big lift
As delegates from three continents convened on ITER Headquarters for the 36th Meeting of the ITER Council, construction teams were exiting the tokamak assembly theatre after a long night of work. The insertion—six weeks in advance—of vacuum vessel module #6 in the tokamak pit was a welcome milestone and testimony of continued strong project execution against Baseline 2024.
Just two months ago, in April, the first of nine vacuum vessel sectors had been lowered into the tokamak assembly pit. A second was inserted this week in a nighttime operation that ended just as the 36th ITER Council was getting started. Delegates were transported on site to witness the accomplishment first hand and to photograph a striking visual—two vacuum vessel sectors supported side by side in the cylindrical space that suddenly feels quite crowded.
During the presentation of ITER progress by Director-General Pietro Barabaschi, members of the ITER Council heard of other notable achievements since they last met in November: the completion of manufacturing and testing of the sixth module of the central solenoid by the United States, the delivery of the final Korean vacuum vessel sector and the second European vacuum vessel sector, steady progress on component repairs, continued positive interaction with the French nuclear safety regulator, and successful execution of strategies to increase the pace of tokamak assembly.
Members welcomed these positive developments and spoke collectively to re-emphasize the strong value of the ITER mission. The Council also welcomed the continuing expansion of engagement if the ITER project with private sector fusion initiatives. A second private/public fusion sector workshop was held in April 2025, the first private sector company is participating in the ITPA (International Tokamak Physics Activity), and the sharing of information on the global fusion supply chain is underway. The Council recognizes the value of this private-public collaboration for all Members.
