France gets nuclear fusion reactor, ITER

Today it was confirmed that France is to host the world’s biggest nuclear fusion reactor, a $12 billion project designed to harness the power of the Sun.

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) is projected for 35 years and is to produce the first sustained fusion reactions.

Scientists know it could work because they know the hydrogen bomb works. Involved engineers face a huge challenge in trying to do it in a controlled manner so the heat can be used to generate electricity.

Theoretically, one kilogram of fusion fuel could produce the same amount of energy as 10,000,000 kg of fossil fuel.

The site of ITER is Cadarache about 60km inland from Marseille. Cadarache has been a nuclear research centre ever since president Charles de Gaulle launched France's atomic energy programme in 1959.