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London (pte047/10.05.2005/16:17) - Discussions on the controversial plan to build the world's largest nuclear fusion facility have begun again after an 18 month freeze. Europe and Japan are trying to finalise the plans but have been unable to decide on where the reactor should be built.
In December 2003 the six member parties - the EU, China, Russia, US, South Korea, Japan - met to discuss the reactor locality. The EU, China and Russia were in favour of Cadarache in France, while the US, South Korea and Japan lobbied for the Japanese town of Rokkashomura.
The project, called ITER - International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor http://www.iter.org - will attempt to show nuclear fusion as being an inexhaustible and clean energy source.
Japanese media reports have suggested that 50 per cent of the construction costs would be carried by the host - and estimated US$ 5 and $10 billion. The other four parties and the non-host would cover 10 per cent each of the costs. A related facility would be built in the non-host country, where various tests would be carried out. Additionally the non-host country would be allowed to send up to 40 scientists/researchers to work at the reactor, which would make up 20 per cent the work force.
A decision about the host country is expected to be made in June or July, according to French research minister Francois d'Aubert. Based on President Jacques Chirac's assertion that ITER would most probably be built in France, the country's willingness to be the host is fairly high. The same is true of Japan, whose officials reacted strongly to Chirac's claim.
A meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 5 brought the member countries together to outline the responsibilities of the host country. It is hoped that the host country will be decided upon in June or July at the latest.
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