EU Commissioner Kadri Simson with ITER Director General Bernard Bigot. © ITER Organization
EU Commissioner Kadri Simson visited the ITER site in Cadarache, South of France, on 17 September 2021, and was able to witness first-hand the progress and latest developments of the biggest international research energy experiment in the world.
The Estonian member of the Von der Leyen Commission, overviewing the EU energy portfolio, visited some of the main buildings of the project and said to be “very impressed”.
At the press conference, which followed the tour of the site, she highlighted the importance of ITER and of the interest for Europe: “This is a unique project in frontier science that should break the borders of fusion research. And this is why I came here today – to witness the construction of the biggest fusion tokamak in the world, and to speak with the leading experts on how fast we can have this breakthrough.”
Her visit was concluded with specific working meetings with ITER Organization Director General, Bernard Bigot, and F4E Director, Johannes Schwemmer.
Europe’s achievements in the fusion ecosystem presented in a visual format.
F4E and Air Liquide complete commissioning of major ITER cryoplant system.
F4E and SIMIC celebrate excellence in manufacturing.
A key ITER heating technology ready for the Neutral Beam Test Facility.
F4E Director welcomes Francesco Sette and thanks exiting Chair, Carlos Alejaldre, for his leadership.
A major step to achieve record beam operations and prepare for IFMIF-DONES