European Commission outlines Joint Undertaking
proposal on ITER
Then decision on how exactly the EU will support
the international ITER fusion project has moved a step forward
in August with the publishing of the European Commission’s
(EC) proposals for the creation of a Joint Undertaking
for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy. Here
is the EC’s press release detailing the proposals:
The Commission has published proposals for the creation
of a Joint Undertaking to provide the European contribution to
the ITER international fusion energy project. The European Joint
Undertaking for ITER & the Development of Fusion Energy will
work with European industry and research organisations to build
around half of the high-technology components that make up the
ITER fusion project. It will also support other projects to accelerate
the development of fusion as a clean and sustainable energy source
for the 21st century. The Joint Undertaking will be based in Barcelona
and should be up and running by the first half of 2007.
“Building upon the success of the integrated
Euratom fusion research programme, the Joint Undertaking will
be a dynamic new organisation that will play a leading role in
the construction of ITER and enhance Europe’s role in the
technological development of fusion energy” Commissioner
Potocnik said today.
The Joint Undertaking's primary task will be
to meet Europe’s wide-ranging obligations towards ITER,
by working with European industry and research organisations to
supply the components for the construction of ITER and will administer
the EU’s financial contribution to the project, which will
mostly come from the Community budget.
The Joint Undertaking will also contribute to
the implementation of the “Broader Approach”, an agreement
between the EU and Japan conceived to work on a number of joint
projects to accelerate the development of fusion energy. These
projects, including finalising the design for a material testing
facility and the upgrade of a fusion experiment, will complement
ITER by filling possible knowledge gaps. A proposal on the “Broader
Approach” will be made by the Commission later this year.
Looking to the longer term, the Joint Undertaking
will progressively implement a programme of activities to prepare
for the first demonstration fusion power reactors, building on
the experience of ITER.
The Joint Undertaking will have a lean managerial
structure, respecting accountability and transparency. Its activities
will complement the other parts of the integrated European fusion
energy research programme carried out in national fusion laboratories
in the EU Member States and other associated European countries
- Bulgaria and Romania, plus Switzerland since 1979 - under the
Euratom umbrella.
A Governing Board, composed of the members of
the Joint Undertaking – Euratom, the EU Member States and
other associated countries, will ensure overall supervision of
its activities. Day to day management of the organisation will
be the responsibility of its Director. The Joint Undertaking will
be able to call on the best possible scientific and technical
advice through one or more Scientific Programme Boards.
The Joint Undertaking will pool resources at
European level. It will receive contributions from Euratom, its
members and other sources. The organisation will have its own
financial rules adapted to its special tasks, particularly the
procurement of high tech components from industry ensuring sound
financial management.
The success of the Joint Undertaking will ultimately
depend upon the expertise and dedication of its staff. In particular,
the organisation will recruit top notch engineers and technicians
who will interact with industries, fusion laboratories and other
organisations to ensure that Europe delivers upon its international
commitments to ITER and beyond.
More information
DG
Research website
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