ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a prototype nuclear fusion reactor in the process of being built in Cadarache, that aims to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power as a new source of energy. ITER should be completed within 10 years at a cost of 4.7 billion Euros.
The partners in the ITER project are the European Union, the USA, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and India.
The operational phase will last 20 years, with an estimated budget of 4.8 billion Euros. About 3,250 indirect jobs in France, including 2,400 in the PACA region will complement the existing 1,000 direct jobs projected.
The estimated budget for decommissioning the facilities at the end of the operation phase is 500 million Euros.
The reactor will not produce electricity but will be used to test the technologies needed to develop the DEMO experimental reactor (1,500 MW).
ITER will be the world’s largest research center for fusion experiment. As such, the project represents industrial and economic opportunities for France and the PACA region in the construction and operation phase.
An employment-training program was set up for the ITER project by Mission ITER, the Regional Employment Public Service (SPER) and its partners.
The program’s objectives are:
- to anticipate the project's impact on employment,
- to assist companies in their recruitment,
- to coordinate activities between various partners.
In parallel, an international school will open in September 2010 in Manosque.
With a capacity of one thousand students, it will provide a cross-cultural environment to children 3 to 18.
A “Master in Nuclear Fusion Science” was created through joint training programs.
The objective of the diploma is to prepare scientists and engineers from France and foreign countries, to work in the development and operation of French fusion machinery.
For more information:
- Job openings in the international organization : login to the website www.iter.org
- For details on the Master in Nuclear Fusion Science, login to the website www.sciences-fusion.fr
