Friday, Oct 17, 2008

Center for China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Plan was established a few days ago in the Ministry of Science and Technology. This center headed by Academician Cheng Jinpei will focus on the implementation of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor plan (ITER plan).

ITER plan was initiated in 1985, and the design and study of the reactor was started in 1988. ITER engineering design was completed in 2001. After 5 years negotiation, the European Union, China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and India reached agreement, according to which, this program will last 35 years, including 10 years of construction, 20 years of operation and exploitation, and 5 years of activation.

ITER plan is an important multilateral international cooperation scientific program, second only to the international space station cooperation, and it is the first time for China to have the opportunity and ability to participate in such large international scientific and technological cooperation project as an equal partner. China formally joined the ITER plan in November 2006, and in June this year, the Chinese government approved the establishment of Center for China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Plan.

Source: Peoples Daily Online