ITER, set to be the worlds largest experimental fusion reactor, has beendelayed yet again.
The 25bn megaproject will only switch on in 2034, and start producing energy in 2039.
Thats almost a decade later than originally planned.
Butstartups may end up beating them to it.
But that doesnt mean its obsolete.
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The private fusion sector is developing viable fusion schemes at a rate of progress that is much faster.
When it comes to harnessing fusion energy, there are many ways to skin a cat.
Many variations exist between these two paradigms.
We are a nimble, fast-growing company that is developing our technology at a rapid pace.
The news on ITER simply reinforces our strategy to keep going.
For First Light, ITER is not as useful as it might once have been.
But that doesnt necessarily mean its useless.
Joint effort?
These include advancing the science of magnets, heat-resistant materials andtritium-breeding a process critical to a self-sustaining fusion reactor.
Ross company, Novatron, is pursuing a novel pop in ofmagnetic confinement fusionknown as a mirror machine.
The startup claims its design solves one of fusions biggest conundrums keeping plasma stable.
For me, the delays at ITER are not a surprise, said Roos.
This sentiment is echoed by Tokamak Energy, Europesbest-funded fusion startup, headquartered in Oxford, UK.
We are encouraged by ITERs willingness to share information and be more open and collaborative, said White.
When ITER was launched, there were five fusion startups, now there are almost 50.
As these companies race to commercialise fusion energy, its increasingly clear that ITER will take a back seat.
However, these companies still face huge challenges.
Faced with these hurdles, tapping the expertise of ITER simply makes sense.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
