EUROfusion

EUROfusion (European Consortium for the Development of Fusion Energy) was established in 2014 as the successor to the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA). The consortium coordinates the European fusion research program under the Euratom Treaty, with funding from the European Union's Horizon research framework programs. EUROfusion comprises over 30 research organizations and universities from EU member states, Switzerland, and the UK (following a post-Brexit association agreement).

The consortium's mission is to develop fusion energy as a viable energy source for the future. Its activities are organized around several key program elements:

1. ITER contribution: EUROfusion coordinates the European contribution to the ITER project, including the construction of ITER components (toroidal field coils, poloidal field coils, vacuum vessel, diagnostics) and the preparation of ITER operational scenarios. Europe is the largest contributor to ITER, providing approximately 45% of the construction costs.

2. DEMO design: EUROfusion leads the conceptual design of DEMO, the demonstration fusion power plant that will follow ITER. The DEMO program aims to demonstrate the full cycle of fusion electricity generation, including tritium breeding, power extraction, and grid connection. The current DEMO design concept targets operation in the 2050s.

3. Experimental facilities: EUROfusion funds and coordinates operation of major European fusion facilities including:

• JET (Joint European Torus) at Culham, UK — decommissioned 2023
• Wendelstein 7-X at Greifswald, Germany — world's largest stellarator
• ASDEX Upgrade at Garching, Germany — medium-size tokamak
• TCV at Lausanne, Switzerland — variable configuration tokamak
• MAST Upgrade at Culham, UK — spherical tokamak
• Various smaller devices and technology test facilities

4. Materials and technology: EUROfusion funds research on fusion materials, tritium breeding, neutronics, and enabling technologies needed for ITER and DEMO. This includes the development of reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels, silicon carbide composites, and advanced divertor concepts.

5. Training and education: EUROfusion supports the next generation of fusion scientists through fellowships, workshops, and training programs.

The UK's departure from the EU created uncertainty about its participation in EUROfusion, but a post-Brexit association agreement allows the UK to continue participating in Horizon Europe and EUROfusion. This is important because the UK hosts JET (now decommissioned), MAST Upgrade, and the STEP program, and has a significant fusion research community.

EUROfusion's budget comes primarily from the Euratom research program, with additional contributions from member states and associated countries. The consortium plays a critical role in maintaining Europe's position as a world leader in fusion research, alongside the US, Japan, China, and South Korea.