World's biggest fusion project faces massive delays, cost overruns

Operation pushed back to 2033 or later at extra cost of $5bn

20240703N ITER fusion reactor REU

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in southern France is now expected to come online in 2033 at the earliest. © Reuters

MADOKA KITAMATSU, Nikkei staff writer

PARIS -- Operation of the world's biggest experimental nuclear fusion reactor project will be delayed by at least eight years, the project head said Wednesday, with costs expected to surge roughly 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion).

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor was originally supposed enter the initial phase of operation in 2025. This will be pushed back to at least 2033.

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