Toward Fusion Energy

Achieving fusion power generation requires decades of research and development and international cooperation.

Fusion Technologies contributes to the realisation of a future energy society through technical, quality assurance, and manufacturing activities related to fusion development projects promoted by Japan and the international community.

JT-60SA

A superconducting tokamak device jointly promoted by Japan and Europe

JT-60SA is one of the world's largest superconducting tokamak fusion experimental devices, installed in Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

It is a joint project between Japan and Europe, and plays a role in complementing ITER.

In JT-60SA,

  • Demonstration of high-performance plasma operation
  • Support for ITER operational scenarios
  • Development of operational technologies for future prototype reactors

are being promoted.

ITER

The world's largest fusion experimental project

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is an international project jointly promoted by seven parties – Europe, Japan, the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, and India – with the aim of scientifically and technically demonstrating fusion energy.

Construction is underway in the south of France, and

  • Demonstration of 500 MW fusion power output
  • Integrated demonstration of fusion reactor engineering technologies
  • Demonstration of remote handling technologies
  • Acquisition of knowledge for prototype reactors

are the objectives.

DEMO (Prototype Reactor)

The next step towards the practical application of fusion power generation

The prototype reactor (DEMO) is a fusion reactor to be constructed based on the results of ITER, with the aim of demonstrating power generation.

While ITER is a device that demonstrates "that fusion can be realised", the prototype reactor

  • Power supply
  • Fuel breeding
  • Maintainability
  • Economic efficiency

aims to demonstrate.

In Japan, research and development are being advanced with the goal of commencing operation around 2050.

Japan's Role in Fusion Development

Japan's Fusion Development System

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Oversees Japan's fusion research and development policy,

  • Participation in the ITER Project
  • Broader Approach (BA) activities
  • DEMO development strategy

and promotes these.

National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST)

As the core organisation for Japan's fusion research and development,

  • Construction and operation of JT-60SA
  • ITER Japan Domestic Agency
  • DEMO R&D

is responsible for.

For the equipment for which Japan has procurement responsibility in ITER, QST, as the domestic agency, promotes design, manufacturing, and procurement activities.

Japanese Industry

The realisation of fusion reactors requires

  • design
  • manufacturing
  • quality assurance
  • construction
  • remote maintenance

and various other industrial technologies.

Japanese companies play a crucial role in the realisation of future DEMO and commercial reactors, building on the technologies cultivated through ITER and JT-60SA.

From JT-60SA to ITER, and from ITER to DEMO.

The challenge of realising fusion power generation has already begun.