News

06-07-2007 04:57

Federation Council of Russia has Ratified an Agreement on Establishment of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) International Organization for Thermonuclear Energy

Presenting a document, Mikhail Margelov, Chairman of the Committee for international affairs the Upper house, said that the International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) organization is supposed to ensure cooperation among agreement participants under the project on the international thermonuclear experimental reactor construction that would demonstrate the scientific and technical abilities of using thermonuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 

"The project aimed at sustainable generation of thermonuclear power will be implemented in France", reminded senator. According to his words, Russia would contribute up to 10% of the project costs, mostly with equipment supplies. "Like the other participants in the project Russia will have access to the entire research and development information", - Margelov said.

The senators have also ratified the agreement on the privileges and immunities of the ITER organization. "This document will provide international legal base for project implementation", - said Margelov.

The international thermonuclear reactor will be constructed in Cadarache (Bush-de-Ron Department in the South of France). Its construction is anticipated to last for 10 years, whereafter the reactor is intended to operate for 20 years.  

Estimated cost of the project is approximately $10 billion, 40% will cover the European Union, and 60% - the other project participants in equal shares.  

Unlike modern nuclear power plants, which are based on nuclear decay, the international experimental reactor is based on thermonuclear fusion. In fact, scientists attempt to repeat - in laboratories and, later, in production - processes taking place on the Sun: nuclear fusion of hydrogen isotopes - deuterium and tritium - which produces chemically inert helium and a big amount of energy. 1 gram of deuterium-tritium can produce as much energy as 8 tons of oil.

The secretary of the Public Chamber of Russia, President of the "Kurchatov Institute" research center, academician Yevgeny Velikhov said earlier that ITER poses no threat to the environment and humankind. By his words, such reactor contains no elements allowing one to make a nuclear bomb.

RIA "Novosti"