To achieve ITER’s plasma extremely high temperature and trigger off a fusion reaction, powerful heating systems using high-energy beams will be needed, one of them being the ITER Neutral Beam Injectors (NBI). Developing ITER’s beam source will be not an easy task because it will need to exceed the potential of existing heating devices. Practically speaking this means releasing a lot more power. This can only be achieved through intermediate steps where first of a kind components will be developed and through dedicated tests will be improved to reach the ITER performance levels.
For this reason, a research facility operating in Italy has been set up to help scientists test the NBI components before they go into operation mode for ITER. The Megavolt ITER Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) facility in Padua is the full-size prototype of the ITER’s NBI, financed with contributions by F4E, Japan’s Domestic Agency for ITER and Italy’s Consorzio RFX, the host of the infrastructure where the NBI tests will be carried out.
F4E has organised a business Information Day to explain the procurement strategy of the Beam Source of MITICA and those of the Neutral Beam of ITER. Approximately 30 representatives from different companies attended the event to understand how they could be involved. A team of experts from F4E and Consorzio RFX elaborated on the overall rational and the different stages of the project. Through their interventions they covered technical, administrative and IPR aspects.
In essence a framework contract will cover three main tasks: i) the design revision of the MITICA beam source, ii) the procurement of the MITICA Beam Source and iii) the procurement of the ITER Beam Sources. For the first task F4E will apply an open tender procedure and sign contracts with maximum three suppliers setting a ceiling of 800 000 EUR for each contract. Regarding the second and third tasks only the successful suppliers involved in the first task will be invited to compete. It is estimated that the intense R&D works covering all three stages will last at least eight years. The works will be performed at the premises of the successful bidders. However, the equipment of the second and third tasks will need to be delivered to MITICA, Padua and ITER, Cadarache, respectively.
To view all presentations click here
F4E, SIMIC-CSI and ITER Organization celebrate important technical milestone.
F4E provides updates to European companies and the global supply chain.
Empresarios Agrupados, Bertin and AVS to manufacture diagnostic components for F4E.
Recommendations envisage a leading role for F4E in supply chain, key technologies and PPP.
The selected project will get 50.000 EUR to apply fusion know-how in a new market.
F4E Technology Development Programme to provide Europe with new knowledge.