The JT-60SA Fusion Reactor: A Triumph of International Collaboration in Energy Innovation, Powered by Tratos Superconductors
Prof. Dr Maurizio Bragagni, Esq. OBE, MBA, CDir FIoD
EBRD Alternate Governor| San Marino Honorary Consul in UK| Esharelife Chairman| Bayes Business School Honorary Visiting Senior Fellow| University of Bolton Visiting Professor| CEO
A remarkable achievement has emerged as a beacon of hope for our future energy needs in a world grappling with the urgent need for sustainable and clean energy sources. On December 1, 2023, the experimental fusion reactor JT-60SA was inaugurated in Naka, Japan, marking a historic milestone in nuclear fusion research. This achievement is a testament to scientific progress and a shining example of international collaboration and cooperation.
The JT-60SA fusion reactor results from a long-standing partnership between the European Union and Japan. Constructed under the Broader Approach agreement, this collaborative effort has brought us one step closer to harnessing safe and environmentally friendly fusion energy. Italy has played a pivotal role in this endeavour, with significant contributions from the government, businesses, and research organizations such as ENEA, Cnr, and the RFX consortium.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished figures, including the European Commissioner for Energy, the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and other prominent politicians, industry leaders, and researchers. Together, they witnessed the initial plasma experiments from the control room, underscoring the significance of this moment in energy research.
The journey to the JT-60SA fusion reactor's completion began in 2007 and culminated in 2020, with continuous technical improvements. The project's total cost, approximately 560 million euros, was shared between Europe and Japan. What makes this project truly remarkable, however, is its scientific significance and the spirit of collaboration, efficient management, and exemplary execution that have defined it.
Fusion for Energy, the organization entrusted with managing European Union funds for the project, was pivotal in coordinating component manufacturing across participating countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This fusion reactor is a testament to the power of international cooperation and scientific diplomacy.
Marc Lachaise, Director of Fusion for Energy, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "What happens here today will be essential for determining the role of fusion in a carbon-free energy mix." The JT-60SA facility offers experts a unique opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and contribute to the international experimental reactor ITER, further advancing our understanding of fusion energy.
The contributions of EUROfusion, a European consortium comprising 31 countries and thousands of researchers, were instrumental in the JT-60SA project. Italy's coordination of an EUROfusion project worth approximately 15 million euros underlines its commitment to advancing fusion research.
Italy's involvement extended beyond coordination, providing crucial components for the fusion reactor. Superconducting cables for magnets, toroidal coils, coil containment cases, and power supplies for the magnetic system were all contributions made by Italian companies, including ENEA, Tratos Cavi, Criotec, ASG Superconductors, Walter Tosto, Poseico Power Electronics, and OCEM Tecnologie Energetic. The RFX Consortium, representing the National Research Council, also played a vital role in developing innovative protection systems and power supply solutions.
At the heart of this groundbreaking project lies the incredible contributions of Tratos, an innovative cable manufacturer. Tratos has been part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor's (ITER) Fusion4Energy project for over a decade, and their dedication deserves special recognition.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Tratos's involvement in the fusion energy arena began with the inception of the ITER Fusion for Energy cable project, marking their commitment to the advancement of nuclear fusion. Their dedication and expertise have created some of the most giant and most challenging superconducting electromagnets ever produced in human history.
At the heart of Tratos's contribution lies Cable-In-Conduit (CIC) superconducting wire production. This wire has been crucial for the construction of magnets for the ITER reactor and the Japanese JT-60SA fusion reactor. The significance of this feat cannot be overstated, as these superconducting wires play a pivotal role in the success of these cutting-edge nuclear fusion projects.
F4E (Fusion4Energy), the organization overseeing fusion energy projects, recognized Tratos's exceptional capabilities by awarding them the contract for cabling and jacketing approximately 20 km of ITER Toroidal Field (TF) conductors and about 28 km of JT-60SA TF conductors. Additionally, Tratos was entrusted with the jacketing of around 22 km of Poloidal Field (PF) conductors.
ICAS (Innovation and Consulting on Applied Superconductivity), established in September 2010, complements Tratos's efforts by supplying the European portion of superconducting conductors for both the ITER and the JT-60SA nuclear reactors in France and Japan. Their commitment to superconductivity and high-tech power applications aligns perfectly with the ambitious goals of these groundbreaking projects.
The technical specifications of Tratos's conductor cable are a testament to their precision and innovation. Comprising about 1000 superconducting and copper wires encased within a 2 mm-thick round stainless steel jacket with a diameter of 43.7 mm, these cables are engineering marvels. Their durability and reliability are critical for the success of these fusion reactors.
Tratos's commitment goes beyond the creation of these superconducting cables. Their cable delivered on-spool in a single 760m length and weighing seven tonnes, undergoes a meticulous process. It is initially unspooled and straightened, then cleaned and sandblasted before being used and shaped into a 12m (l) x 9m (w) double pancake. This level of precision and attention to detail sets Tratos apart as a pioneer in the field of fusion energy.
As we celebrate the inauguration of the JT-60SA fusion reactor and its significance in advancing fusion research, we must acknowledge the unsung heroes behind the scenes—companies like Tratos and ICAS. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superconducting technology is a testament to human innovation and collaboration.
Tratos's contributions have elevated the field of fusion energy and paved the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Their remarkable achievements underscore the importance of industry partnerships, innovation, and the pursuit of ambitious scientific goals. We salute Tratos for their outstanding contributions to the fusion energy landscape, a critical step towards a brighter, more sustainable future.