F4E travels to ITER with its first group of journalists
From left to right:
F. Briscoe (Director of F4E), A. Apollonatos (F4E), J. Izquierdo (F4E), B. Perier (F4E), F. Costas (Telstar), MaT. Dominguez (Empresarios Agrupados)
C. Alejaldre (ITER IO Deputy Director General) explains the ITER experiment
J. Paméla (Agence ITER France Director) explains France’s commitments vis-à-vis the ITER project
J.M.Ane (CEA) during the guided tour at Tore Supra
F4E together with the Representations of the European Commission in Madrid and Barcelona organised a media trip during the Spanish Presidency between 7 and 9 of June. Through this initiative, Representations aim to communicate better the role of EU bodies based in Spain and illustrate the value of their work.
Frank Briscoe, Director of F4E, welcomed the media and explained that ‘paving the way for a future market in commercial fusion and bringing together a pool of talented scientists to work together in the biggest energy experiment’ are two of the core objectives of F4E. He also reported on Europe’s overall contribution to ITER, the significance of this project and its progress. Jesus Izquierdo, engineer of the Analysis and Codes Group, presented the science behind fusion, its merits and the technological progress so far. Benjamin Perier, member of the Business Intelligence Group, explained the different types of contracts awarded by F4E and highlighted the opportunities that lie ahead for Europe’s industry. The two company representatives Ferran Costas from Telstar and Maria-Teresa Dominguez from Empresarios Agrupados outlined their technical contribution in the ITER project and the direct benefits stemming from their involvement through which they obtained better access to knowledge and a real economic stimulus.
During the press conference journalists raised questions regarding the overall progress of the ITER experiment, its cost and delivery, the technology behind fusion and its reliability, climate change and the need for a balanced energy mix.
After the press conference all participants were transferred to Aix-en-Provence in order to visit the premises of F4E, ITER IO and the ITER construction platform. We kicked off with a presentation on the progress of the construction and the type of buildings which was delivered by Laurent Schmieder, Head of Division for Site, Buildings and Power supplies. Carlos Alejaldre, ITER Deputy Director General, took over and explained the technology behind ITER and the contribution of the other six parties. Before visiting the ITER platform, a presentation was offered by Jérôme Paméla , Director of Agence ITER France, who spoke about the obligations undertaken by France as host country. The visit to Cadarache concluded with a guided tour at Tore Supra by Jean Marc Ané who invited journalists to put on their helmets and discover the real size of some components.
