ITER: our cutting-edge expertise at the service of nuclear fusion

For over eight years, our experts have contributed to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. ITER, the largest and most powerful fusion device in the world, aims to unlock a large-scale, low-carbon energy source based on the same principle that powers our sun and stars. Tractebel has been commissioned by Fusion for Energy, the European Union organization managing Europe’s contribution to ITER, to oversee the qualification of nuclear equipment.

A crucial step

Tractebel’s successful cooperation with the global fusion project was confirmed at the beginning of 2022 when the ITER organization awarded us a new four-year contract to continue supervising the design and construction of the buildings.

Tractebel is also supporting Fusion for Energy in the qualification process, by monitoring and supporting the qualification activities performed by the ITER Organization and the suppliers of Fusion for Energy. The qualification of equipment is crucial, as it consists of ensuring that the equipment is working properly under all conditions.

Our mission started in June 2021 and should be finalized by March 2023. Our experts support and supervise the qualification of mechanical and electrical equipment of the Tokamak, the fusion reactor. They provide technical expertise in the qualification activities in the mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation & control fields. Our experts will also work on the qualification components of the Cryoplant, the extensive cryogenic power needed to cool the ITER magnets, and the fuel cycle program.

Unique qualification expertise

The qualification of ITER nuclear equipment requires the unique, cutting-edge expertise of our team. Our experts have extensive experience in equipment qualification, mostly gained through international nuclear projects.

The role of our engineers includes outlining the qualification program and preparing the qualification and demonstration of nuclear equipment in different conditions (seismic loads, radiation, static magnetic fields, pressure, etc.). They identify the tests that are required to qualify nuclear equipment and define technical specifications for component testing and qualification and gap performance analyses.

“We are proud to contribute to the ITER project, which paves the way for developing a long-term, sustainable energy source. ITER is the largest and most powerful fusion device in the world. Jointly with our client and its suppliers, our imaginative experts solve issues and achieve milestones on a daily basis to make the impossible possible. Tractebel is honoured to support Fusion for Energy in its mission to complete the ITER project.” Marcello Alampi, Project Director

Find out more about our nuclear expertise HERE.