An international enterprise

Scientists and engineers from China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States are working in an unprecedented international collaboration on the next major step for the development of fusion - ITER (short for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and which means "the way" in Latin). ITER's mission is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful purposes. To do this, ITER will demonstrate moderate power multiplication; demonstrate essential fusion energy technologies in a system integrating the appropriate physics, technology and test key elements required to use fusion as a practical energy source. ITER will be the first fusion device to produce thermal energy at the level of an electricity-producing power station. It will provide the next major step for the advancement of fusion science and technology and is the key element in the strategy to reach the following demonstration electricity-generating power plant (DEMO) in a single experimental step.