• ITER has completed its central solenoid, the most powerful magnet system, marking a major milestone in fusion energy research.
• The completion demonstrates the potential for international collaboration in addressing global energy challenges.
• ITER aims to produce 500 megawatts of fusion power with only 50 megawatts of input, showcasing the potential of fusion energy, though first operation is estimated for 2035.

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a collaborative project involving over 30 countries, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of all components for its central solenoid. This powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet system is crucial for confining and controlling the superheated plasma necessary for nuclear fusion. ITER aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a safe, clean, and virtually limitless energy source. The project's progress signifies a major step toward harnessing the power of the sun and stars for terrestrial energy production.

• What: Completion of all components for the central solenoid, a powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet system. The central solenoid will work in tandem with six ring-shaped poloidal field magnets to create an invisible magnetic cage around the plasma.
• Who: The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, involving over 30 member nations. Key individuals mentioned include Pietro Barabaschi (ITER Director-General), Laban Coblentz (ITER's official spokesperson), David Vandergriff (engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory), and others.
• When: The final component was completed recently (April/May 2025 timeframe). The ITER project traces its origins to 1985, with the agreement officially signed in 2006. First operation is estimated for 2035.
• Where: Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, southern France, where the ITER Tokamak is being assembled.

The completion of the central solenoid is a major achievement for the ITER project, demonstrating the potential for international collaboration to address global energy challenges. The project's goal of producing 500 megawatts of fusion power with only 50 megawatts of input, represents a significant leap in energy efficiency. Overcoming the technical challenges of creating and sustaining plasma at temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius requires significant scientific and engineering innovation. The project signifies a long-term investment in sustainable energy. Despite potential delays, the progress made on ITER offers hope for the future of clean energy and highlights the importance of continued international cooperation in scientific research.

"It's a great sign of hope, just to show that mankind at the end can cooperate, for they share a problem, and they try to find shared solutions. In the current geopolitical situation in the world, such collaboration is incredible."

"What makes ITER unique is not only its technical complexity but the framework of international cooperation that has sustained it through changing political landscapes. This achievement proves that when humanity faces existential challenges like climate change and energy security, we can overcome national differences to advance solutions."

"Climate change is real, and it's going to happen. The longer it takes us to get to effective methods of combating climate change, the more extreme (it is), (thus) the more we will need fusion."

The completion of the central solenoid marks a pivotal step in the ITER project, bringing the world closer to realizing the potential of nuclear fusion as a clean and sustainable energy source. While challenges remain and the first operation is not expected until 2035, the achievement demonstrates the power of international collaboration and the commitment to addressing climate change through scientific innovation. ITER continues to serve as a beacon of hope, driving advancements in fusion technology and paving the way for a future powered by the stars.