South Korea completes ITER vacuum vessel sector delivery
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Nov 25, 2024

South Korea has concluded its delivery of four vacuum vessel sectors for the ITER fusion reactor, marking a major milestone in the international project underway in Cadarache, France. These components, essential for sustaining the high-vacuum environment necessary for nuclear fusion, were transported to ITER's construction site following a series of shipments that began in 2020.

The ITER vacuum vessel, weighing 5,000 tons and comprising nine sectors and 44 ports, is designed to contain the ultra-high-temperature plasma required for fusion reactions. South Korea's four sectors are part of this intricate assembly, demonstrating the nation's expertise in manufacturing and technology for fusion energy systems.

Each sector is built from four segments and demands more than 1.6 kilometers of welding to achieve assembly. Precision is paramount - tolerances of only a few millimeters ensure the seamless fit of internal components. These stringent requirements underscore the technical complexity of the vacuum vessel, a key element of the ITER project.

Initially contracted to produce two of the vessel sectors, South Korea agreed in 2016 to manufacture two additional sectors that were originally assigned to the EU. This expanded South Korea's responsibility, showcasing its ability to meet the challenges of advanced manufacturing for fusion energy technologies.

In addition to the vacuum vessel sectors, South Korea has delivered superconductors, thermal shields, and assembly tools to the ITER project, consistently meeting schedules and contributing to the broader goal of advancing nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.

Related Links
Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
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